The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines ushered in the Spring Festival with a grand reception at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, ahead of the Chinese New Year on Feb. 17. Co-hosted with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Association of the Philippines (FFCAP), the event drew more than 1,000 guests from both nations, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders of the Filipino-Chinese community.

The evening was filled with cultural performances, festive cuisine, and warm exchanges, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. Ambassador Jing Quan, who has been serving in Manila for just two months, delivered a message that blended tradition with vision, emphasizing the enduring friendship between China and the Philippines and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Ambassador Jing began by recalling the long history of Chinese settlement in the Philippines, dating back to 1594, and how the Spring Festival has flourished as part of the country’s cultural fabric. He noted that while his schedule has been packed with celebrations across the archipelago, the true priority remains strengthening ties between the two nations.

“Meeting face to face makes things work. This is even more true between countries,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of dialogue and people-to-people exchanges. He pointed out that visits between the two countries had dropped sharply during the pandemic, but recent developments—including the Philippine government’s new 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens—signal a renewed openness and opportunity for closer interaction.

The Ambassador highlighted China’s role as the Philippines’ largest trading partner for ten consecutive years, expressing optimism about expanding cooperation in high-tech sectors such as green energy, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and eco-agriculture. He also spoke of China’s tangible contributions to Philippine infrastructure, citing bridges in Manila and Davao that have transformed travel times and connectivity, as well as vaccine support during the pandemic.

Education and cultural exchange were equally central to his message. He described how the embassy has donated basketball courts, scholarships, and supplies to schools, and even invited Filipino students to summer camps in China. These initiatives, he said, are designed to foster deeper understanding among the younger generation.

Turning to regional issues, Ambassador Jing reaffirmed China’s commitment to constructive dialogue on maritime concerns, particularly through accelerating consultations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct. He stressed that harmony with neighbors is a deeply valued principle in Chinese culture, and that dialogue remains the best path to managing differences.

He also acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation and false narratives, vowing that the embassy would continue to promote practical cooperation and positive momentum to strengthen trust between the two nations.

As the evening drew to a close, Ambassador Jing offered a hopeful vision for the future. “The Spring Festival symbolizes reunion, hope, and new beginnings, while the horse represents vigor and determination. In this Year of the Horse, let us take the lead and gallop forward together to put China–Philippines relations firmly back on track,” he said.

The celebration at Shangri-La The Fort was more than a festive gathering—it was a reaffirmation of friendship, a call for deeper cooperation, and a reminder that cultural traditions can serve as bridges between nations. With music, laughter, and shared aspirations filling the hall, the Spring Festival 2026 marked not only the arrival of a new year but also a renewed commitment to a partnership that continues to grow stronger with time.