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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the launch of Chinatown Revitalization Phase II: A Walk Through Heritage in Binondo, Manila, as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Philippines–China diplomatic relations on Feb. 13, 2026. Also present during the event are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan (rightmost). PHOTO FROM PCO
MANILA — Amid continuing tensions over the West Philippine Sea, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan struck a conciliatory tone during a recent public event in Binondo, expressing hope that ties between Manila and Beijing would endure.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the Chinatown Revitalization Phase II and Chinese New Year celebration over the weekend, where Jing highlighted the long history of relations between the two nations.
In his remarks, Jing said China and the Philippines have been “close neighbors and friends” for thousands of years.
“As the Chinese often say, ‘Close neighbors are better than distant relatives.’ As neighbors, we should always respect each other, learn from each other, and help each other — but not hurt each other. Our two peoples should like each other, not hate each other,” he said.
Jing added that he deeply admires the efforts made over the past five decades by leaders, media professionals and citizens from both countries to foster bilateral ties.
“I hope fifty years from now, when people look back on this moment, they will also feel proud of the work we are doing today,” he said.
“May the friendship between China and the Philippines last forever,” he added.
New direct flights announced
As part of efforts to boost exchanges, Jing announced the opening of direct flights between Fujian province in China and Cebu province in the Philippines.
Xiamen Airlines will resume direct flights between Quanzhou and Cebu beginning March 29. The route will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with additional flights to be considered depending on demand.
The airline will also increase flight frequencies between Manila and Xiamen.
Jing said he coordinated with various agencies and local officials in Fujian to make the route possible.
“When I visited Cebu several days ago, local residents told me, ‘Please, Ambassador, help us open direct flights between Cebu and Fujian,’ because 90 percent of Filipino-Chinese are from Fujian,” he recounted.
President Marcos welcomed the development.
“I hope that it will be the beginning of more interactions and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Philippines,” he said.
Diplomatic backdrop
The cordial exchanges come as verbal sparring between Philippine lawmakers and the Chinese Embassy continues over disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Earlier, President Marcos rejected calls from some legislators to declare Jing and Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei persona non grata. Malacañang said such authority rests with the President as the country’s chief diplomat.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has cautioned that declaring foreign diplomats persona non grata carries serious diplomatic consequences and should be considered only as a last resort when relations have significantly deteriorated.
The event in Binondo unfolded against this complex backdrop, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagement despite geopolitical tensions.