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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM welcomes direct Fujian–Cebu flights, eyes stronger PH–China exchanges

PBBM welcomes direct Fujian–Cebu flights, eyes stronger PH–China exchanges

Published Feb 14, 2026 07:40 am
Photos of Quanzhou and Cebu from Klook and Canva
Photos of Quanzhou and Cebu from Klook and Canva
President Marcos welcomed China’s move to open direct flights between Fujian and Cebu, saying the new route could boost exchanges and ties between the Philippines and China.
Speaking during the launch of Chinatown Revitalization Phase II in Manila, President Marcos thanked Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan for the announcement and expressed optimism about its impact.
“I thank you very much for the good news that you have brought about the flights going to Cebu,” he said Friday evening, Feb. 13.
“And I hope that it will be the beginning of more interactions and people-to-people exchange between China and the Philippines,” he added.

Flights to start March 29

Ahead of the President’s remarks, Ambassador Jing announced that China had approved the opening of direct flights linking Fujian province and Cebu.
The envoy said the route responded to requests from Cebu residents and tourism demand linked to shared heritage and travel flows.
“Because 90 percent of Filipino-Chinese—they're from Fujian—and Chinese tourists can directly come to Cebu visa-free,” Jing said.
“And then today we got the good news. China has decided that we will open direct flights between Fujian and Cebu,” he added.
The ambassador said the first flight is scheduled to depart on March 29, with two weekly trips initially planned.
“And if there are more tourists coming, then we will increase more,” he said.
In a separate update, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Xiamen Airlines will resume direct flights between Quanzhou and Cebu starting March 29, operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The embassy also stated that flight frequencies between Xiamen and Manila would be increased to meet the growing travel demand.
It added that the initiative forms part of efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation between the two countries.

Broader cooperation

Jing likewise signaled continued collaboration between the Philippines and China beyond travel connectivity.
“At the same time, we also hope to further strengthen our law enforcement cooperation with the Philippine side to jointly fight against crime and to ensure the safety of normal people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
The announcement came as both sides highlighted exchanges and connectivity during the Binondo heritage event, where officials underscored cultural and economic links between the two nations, amid increased verbal tensions between officials from the two countries.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Jing Quan PH-China
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