Manila,September 25 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 25, 2025 received the outgoing ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Huang Xilian, in a farewell courtesy call in Malacañan Palace, according to the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines.
Photo source:the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines
Marcos expressed appreciation for the envoy’s years of service in strengthening bilateral ties between Manila and Beijing.
“I think you have made a very good second home already here in Manila,” the President said.
The Chief Executive acknowledged the complexities that characterized the Philippines’ relations with China, including on issues related to the maritime domain. The President emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomacy, maintaining communication and avoiding escalation.
The Chief Executive said “let us not allow these differences to define our relationship,” emphasizing that the South China Sea(PH calls it the West Philippine Sea) issues are not the sum-total of Philippines-China relations.
The President added that the two countries should continue to encourage the deepening of trade, people to people interaction, and cultural exchanges.
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t make much more progress on the difficulties that we have in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea. But I think, considering how difficult the situation was, that we have managed to keep things at least away from too much problem,” Marcos said.
Huang Xilian assumed his post as China’s ambassador to the Philippines in December 2019, after presenting his credentials to former President Rodrigo Duterte on December 4, 2019.
During the January 2023 State Visit of President Marcos to Beijing, 14 cooperation documents were signed with China concerning the Belt and Road Initiative; an arrangement on the establishment of a Communication Mechanism on Maritime issues; a Development Cooperation Plan (2023-2025); an Electronic Commerce Cooperation; and a Digital and Information and Communications Technology Cooperation; an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation; a mutual recognition arrangement between the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs and China’s General Administration of Customs; and a Joint Action Plan on Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperation between the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (2023-2025).
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China were formally established on 9 June 1975.
