Metro Manila, Philippines – China’s new ambassador-designate to the Philippines, Jing Quan, has begun his mission in Manila, signaling Beijing’s intention to strengthen dialogue and expand cooperation with the Philippines as both countries look to steady their broader bilateral relationship.
Jing, formerly the deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, paid a courtesy call on Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
In a statement, Lazaro said she welcomed Jing as he assumed his post and discussed with him opportunities for engagement. “We discussed Philippines–China relations and our shared interest in dialogue, stability, and expanded cooperation in trade and people-to-people exchanges,” she said.
Upon his arrival, Jing told Chinese state media that he intends to serve as a bridge between the two nations at a crucial moment. “I will firmly safeguard China’s national interests and dignity, while also serving as a bridge to ensure China–Philippines relations stabilize rather than deteriorate, and that our peoples draw closer instead of drifting apart,” he said, according to the Global Times. “The task is heavy, but I am confident.”
Delicate phase in diplomacy
Jing’s posting comes as both Manila and Beijing explore ways to recalibrate their relationship. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said he aims to “redefine” the Philippines’ ties with China by strengthening economic and cultural cooperation while managing longstanding areas of disagreement.
“When you talk about China and the Philippines, all you talk about are the territorial disputes,” Marcos said. “I think there is a huge possibility for trade, for exchanges, for all kinds of discussions and engagements between China and us that do not include these territorial disputes.”
The Marcos administration has sought to balance economic engagement with China while maintaining strong defense and security ties with the United States. Chinese investment interests in infrastructure, trade, and energy remain key components of Manila’s diplomatic agenda.
Still, recent actions by Beijing — including the declaration of a “national nature reserve” over Bajo de Masinloc — have prompted firm responses from Manila. Marcos called the designation a violation of Philippine sovereignty and emphasized the need for ASEAN to play a leading role in regional dispute management.
At the ASEAN–China Summit, Marcos expressed optimism that negotiations on a long-awaited Code of Conduct could advance during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
Looking ahead
The Chinese Embassy said Jing will work to promote diplomatic dialogue and broaden economic and cultural cooperation between Manila and Beijing. His formal credentials are expected to be presented to Marcos in the coming days, completing his assumption of the ambassadorial post.
