Manila, January 22 (AseanAll) — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines hosted the 2026 Media Party on January 20, 2026. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan joined more than 300 friends from media and other sectors in celebrating the new year.
Jing Quan said that everyone he met in the past month after his arrival expressed hopes that the situation in the South China Sea could stabilize and that China-Philippines relations could improve, and this has given him great confidence. He added that the South China Sea issue is only one aspect of China-Philippines relations and that he believed China and the Philippines have the ability and wisdom to properly manage their differences. He further pointed out that at present, diplomats on the two sides are working toward this goal and have already reached preliminary consensus on a roadmap for the next stage of dialogue and negotiation.
Jing Quan also pointed out that over the past decade, China has been the Philippines’ largest trading partner and largest source of imports all along and that the potential for China-Philippines cooperation is enormous. He said that sound economic and trade relations require stable political relations and a more favorable business environment, noting that China’s development is not a threat to the Philippines but an opportunity. He stressed that the Philippines does not need to choose sides, nor rely on one to counter the other; instead, like other ASEAN countries, it could maintain sound relations with both China and the United States, which best serves the Philippines’ fundamental and long-term interests.
Jing Quan emphasized that the Chinese Embassy serves as a bridge for promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries and a fortress in safeguarding China’s national interests and dignity, and the Embassy welcomes constructive dialogue and discussion, but opposes groundless attacks and smears. He said that if fake news is spread, China is defamed, or hatred is incited, the Embassy would not tolerate that and remain silent but would push back firmly without hesitation, pointing out that this is its duty and that it has every legitimate right to let the public be aware of the basic facts and China’s position.
The Ambassador expressed hope that media would always uphold objectivity and fairness, allow the public to hear authentic voices from all sides rather than just one side, and play a positive role in promoting China-Philippines friendship and improving bilateral relations.
