Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan on Tuesday,  April 14, with both sides discussing bilateral relations, including tensions in the South China Sea and expanding economic cooperation.

The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) said the meeting comes as the Philippines continues to assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea amid recent incidents at sea and in the air.

During the courtesy call, the Chinese envoy noted the resumption of dialogues aimed at improving bilateral relations.

Ambassador Jing expressed hope that more high-level visits would take place this year to send positive signals between the two countries.

Both sides discussed developments in the South China Sea, including ongoing maritime concerns and law enforcement cooperation.

The meeting follows recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea, including reports of flares fired near a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft conducting a routine patrol near Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and Zamora (Subi) Reef.

Philippine officials have described such actions as dangerous and a form of intimidation.

However, civil society groups reiterated a firm stance on the issue, stressing that the Philippines will continue to assert its rights.

“This is a clear act of intimidation. No nation asserting its lawful rights should be met with actions that endanger lives,” civic leader and Palace ally Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia said.

He added that the country must stand firm in protecting its sovereignty.

“When pressure replaces dialogue, then it is no longer about misunderstanding. It is about forcing a narrative, and that must be rejected,” he said.

The Philippines recently inaugurated a new Coast Guard base on Pag-asa Island to strengthen its presence and support for Filipino fishermen.

Officials said the move is part of efforts to maintain a lawful and consistent presence in its territory.

Recto and Jing also exchanged views on economic and trade relations, including the current energy situation.

They discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation amid global supply challenges.

The two officials highlighted the importance of boosting tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

They also explored increasing direct flights between Philippine and Chinese cities.

The meeting also touched on upcoming regional engagements.

The Philippines chairs this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits, while China will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet in 2026.

Both sides expressed hope for mutual support in these roles.

Also present during the meeting were officials from the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Foreign Affairs, including DFA Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria.