Manila, February 12 (AseanAll)  — On February 10,2026, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines, together with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Association of the Philippines, co-hosted a reception in Manila to celebrate the Chinese New Year. First Lady of the Philippines, Louise Araneta-Marcos and over 1000 representatives from various sectors of both countries gathered to usher in the festive occasion.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan extended New Year greetings to the people of China, the Chinese community in the Philippines, and friends from all walks of life in the Philippines. He noted that China and the Philippines are close neighbors with shared cultural ties and enormous potential for cooperation, and that China-Philippines friendship serves the fundamental interests of both peoples.

Jing Quan said that over the past two months, the two sides have worked to stabilize bilateral relations, resumed political dialogue, and achieved new progress in cooperation in areas including visas, law enforcement, people-to-people exchanges, and infrastructure development. China stands ready to work with the Philippines to properly manage maritime differences, advance practical cooperation, and promote a steady improvement in bilateral relations.

The Ambassador stressed that the Embassy of China remains open and is ready to maintain broad engagement with all sectors of Philippine society to enhance mutual understanding and trust. At the same time, China firmly opposes any acts of vilification and smear against China, and will resolutely safeguard national interests and dignity. He expressed the hope that in this Year of the Horse everybody will serve as ambassadors of China-Philippines friendship, take the lead and gallop forward together to put China–Philippines relations firmly back on track.

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte delivered a video message extending New Year greetings to the Chinese community. She said that as we welcome the year of the Fire Horse, let us embrace this beginning with courage. Now is the time to ignite the spirit of bayanihan and charge forward into a new year of possibilities. Together, let us strive for growth.

Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Marie Theresa Dizon-De Vega, speaking on behalf of the Philippine government, congratulated China on the New Year, commended the contributions of the Filipino Chinese community, and expressed the Philippines' willingness to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China to deliver real benefits to our peoples.

Guests at the reception spoke highly of China's achievements in pursuing Chinese modernization and voiced their best wishes for the healthy and steady development of China-Philippines relations.