Marcos welcomes new Chile, China ambassadors; says PH aims to deepen ties, manage differences
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. receives the credentials of new ambassadors Jing Quan from China (left) and Felipe Alejandro Diaz Ibañez from Chile (center) in Malacañan on Dec. 11, 2025. (PCO photos)
President Marcos received the credentials of Chile’s and China’s newly designated ambassadors, emphasizing the Philippines’ intent to strengthen long-standing partnerships while managing sensitive issues with transparency and diplomacy.
In a ceremony at Malacañang, the President welcomed Chilean Ambassador Felipe Alejandro Diaz Ibañez and Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, formally marking the start of their diplomatic postings in Manila.
Chile envoy returns to familiar ground
Marcos highlighted Manila’s “long and very fine relationship” with Santiago as he greeted Ambassador Diaz, who previously served as consul at the Chilean Embassy in Manila from 2003 to 2008.
“We are happy that an old friend of the Philippines has returned and the long and very fine relationship between our two countries will continue,” he said.
“We would continue to promote an even longer and even closer relationship between our two countries,” he added.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Chile date back to 1946.
‘Cooperation should define PH-China ties’
President Marcos also underscored China’s importance as one of the Philippines’ key partners, noting that both countries must work to ensure that areas of disagreement remain “the exception rather than the norm.”
“I’m sure that there will be many opportunities for us to make the relationship between our two countries stronger, deeper, and more important as the years go by,” he said.
“I look forward to working with you in managing the differences and intensifying the cooperation between our two countries,” he added.
The Philippines and China established formal diplomatic ties in 1975 and maintain cooperation across trade, agriculture, tourism, and cultural exchanges despite ongoing disagreements in the West Philippine Sea.
Envoys pledge deeper cooperation
Both ambassadors committed to further strengthening bilateral engagement with the Philippines, vowing to dedicate their efforts to enhancing cooperation and maintaining friendly relations.
The presentation of credentials is a standard diplomatic rite signaling the official start of an ambassador’s tenure and both nations’ commitment to stable, constructive ties.