Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying continued dialogue between the two powers remains crucial in maintaining peace and stability amid growing geopolitical and economic tensions.
Speaking to reporters during an interview with Japanese media organizations, Marcos said it is encouraging to see Washington and Beijing continue communicating despite ongoing disputes involving trade, Taiwan, and broader regional security concerns.
“Well, I think it’s of importance to everyone,” Marcos said.
“When two of the largest, the two leaders of the largest economies in the world are meeting to discuss some of the issues that we are facing now,” he added.
The president noted that the Trump-Xi meeting came amid continuing tensions between the United States and China over trade, Taiwan, and the global economic slowdown.
Reuters earlier reported that the summit ended without major breakthroughs on trade or Iran, although both leaders agreed to continue engagement and maintain communication.
Marcos said diplomacy remains critical even during periods of confrontation.
“It is always very encouraging to see when the two nations, such as China and the United States, can still come together and communicate with one another,” Marcos said.
Xi warned Trump during the summit that mishandling Taiwan issues could lead to conflict, while Trump later said he made “no commitment either way” regarding Taiwan.
For Marcos, continued communication itself already sends a positive signal to the world.
“It does not matter how difficult the situation is, or how large the conflict is, but if you stop talking, then immediately there is no chance of success,” he said.
The president also expressed hope that the meeting could help reduce economic tensions between the two powers.
“When I say peace now, I don’t mean just a military lack of fighting,” Marcos said.
“I’m also talking about peace in terms of trade. The trade wars will diminish. There will be more cooperation,” he added.
Marcos said countries can continue competing economically while still cooperating on broader global issues.
“It’s very well to compete aggressively. That’s a good thing,” he said. “But we must cooperate whenever we possibly can.”
The president also welcomed reports that Xi is expected to visit the United States in the future following Trump’s invitation.
“That again is another encouraging sign for the rest of the world,” Marcos said.
