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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China will always be a friend – Amb. Jing

China will always be a friend – Amb. Jing

Published Feb 6, 2026 04:30 pm
Ambassador Jing Quan presents to Dr. Emilio C. Yap III a traditional bamboo painting
Ambassador Jing Quan presents to Dr. Emilio C. Yap III a traditional bamboo painting
China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with Manila despite recent skirmishes and the spate of encounters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying that China will remain a friend of the Philippines.
Jing, only two months in his post, said direct flights between the two countries have dropped from over 300 per week before the pandemic to just 84 now; people-to-people exchanges have fallen from more than three million to around 300,000.
He said he is working to bring more Chinese tourists back to Philippine destinations and vowed to encourage more direct flights which he emphasized are good for people-to-people exchanges.
However, he urged the government to address the concerns raised by tourists, particularly on their safety.
Chinese tourist arrivals have gone down since the relations between China and the Philippines were challenged by WPS issues and the banning of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
Jing said that as soon as these issues are addressed, millions of Chinese tourists will likely return to their favorite Philippine destinations.
Counsellor Ji Lingpeng, Manila Bulletin's President and Vice Chairman Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, and Ambassador Jing Quan
Counsellor Ji Lingpeng, Manila Bulletin's President and Vice Chairman Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, and Ambassador Jing Quan
He also debunked fears that the fleet of Chinese vessels and the presence of the China Coast Guard in the contested waters mean that China is ready to wage war against the Philippines.
Jing said China will never do that to a friend and neighbor.
China’s envoy recently visited Davao City where he discussed bilateral, economic, and cultural ties with local leaders and attended the handover of the China-aided Davao River Bridge (Bucana Bridge). He also witnessed the handover of educational supplies to Calawis Elementary School in Antipolo, Rizal, which were donated by CEPA (Chinese Enterprises Philippines Association) and Powerchina.
As he spent the day with the students of Calawis Elementary School who also encouraged him to join them in a dance performance, Ambassador Jing encouraged them to study well and help strengthen Philippine-China relations.
He also offered an educational tour for the students and their principal to China.
Jing said he has a lot of work to do, particularly in boosting agricultural, economic, trade, and cultural cooperation with the Philippines.
Jing also stressed that the Chinese Embassy is a firm defender of China’s national interests and dignity.
“We welcome constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes. What we oppose are baseless attacks and smears. If falsehoods are spread, if China is maliciously vilified, if hatred is incited, we will not tolerate it. We will push back firmly and without hesitation. This is a right granted under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a core duty of any Chinese embassy,” he stressed.
Ambassador Jing and officials of the Chinese Embassy were feted at a dinner hosted by Manila Bulletin officials led by its president and vice-chairman Dr. Emil C. Yap III at the historic Manila Hotel.

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