Metro Manila, Philippines – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended a Lunar New Year reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Taguig on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan welcomed her, and was later joined by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa de Vega during the celebration.
The appearance marked another public engagement between the first lady and the new Chinese envoy.
They were last seen together during a one-night concert by Chinese pianist Lang Lang in Makati City, where Jing said he had a “pleasant conversation” with Araneta-Marcos, according to a post by the Chinese embassy.
Malacañang downplayed the first lady’s attendance, which did not reflect any shift in policy amid renewed calls from some lawmakers to declare the ambassador persona non grata.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the first lady’s participation in public cultural or consular events should not be interpreted as having diplomatic or policy implications.
“Even if the first lady attends public consular events, this does not reflect any policy direction and is not linked to any diplomatic matters,” she said.
Castro said only President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the authority to declare a foreign diplomat persona non grata, while lawmakers are free to pursue resolutions within their mandate.
“Everyone has their own opinion. They may proceed if that is what they see fit,” she said. “But the president’s policy, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, is constructive dialogue and diplomacy on issues involving China.”
The Palace previously expressed hope that cordial exchanges could help ease tensions as Manila and Beijing continue to trade statements over issues in the West Philippine Sea.
President Marcos previously rejected calls to declare Jing unwelcome, with the DFA reiterating that dialogue remains the government’s preferred approach in managing relations with China.
