Manila January 15 (AseanAll)  — On January 14, 2026,Jing Quan, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines met with Ms. Anna Marie Ang-Thompson, CEO of The Manila Times, senior management team and representatives of its reporters, editors, and columnists.

During the discussion Ambassador Jing noted that China and the Philippines are close neighbors, and both peoples aspire for a stable bilateral relationship. China pursues the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy, and stays committed to the building of a community with a shared future with neighbors. 

Jing Quan said that being a friend of China does not prevent the Philippines from also being a friend of the U.S., and vice versa. China, the U.S., and the Philippines are not locked into an either-or, zero-sum game. The door of the Chinese Embassy is always open. We are ready to engage in extensive exchanges with all sectors of Philippine society and welcome all constructive discussions based on facts, including on how to handle differences and disputes, with the aim of stabilizing bilateral relations. We do not provoke trouble, but we will not back down when faced with it. If certain individuals insist on stirring up trouble and deliberately smearing and vilifying China, we will not let it slide—we will respond firmly and see it through to the end. This is a diplomat’s most basic duty: to tell the facts and share the truth to the public, and to resolutely safeguard our national interests and dignity.

The representatives of The Manila Times said that Ambassador Jing’s remarks had deepened their understanding of China’s diplomacy and its policy toward the Philippines. They expressed their willingness to actively play the role of the media as a bridge, report on China-related issues in an objective manner, and help enhance the Filipino public’s understanding of China.