Manila: The Chinese Embassy in Manila announced its commitment to intensifying efforts to restore the bilateral relations between China and the Philippines. This comes after a significant meeting between Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and Erwin Tulfo, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
According to Philippines News Agency, the embassy emphasized the importance of dialogue and exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust. Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng stated, "The Chinese Embassy will continue to actively promote dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and bring bilateral relations back on track at an early date. It is in the fundamental interests of both peoples."
The meeting between Jing and Tulfo took place following weeks of tense exchanges between embassy and Filipino government officials, which included discussions on the West Philippine Sea issue. Described by Ji as "candid, constructive, and forward-looking," the meeting addressed China's position on its relations with the Philippines, the Taiwan question, and the South China Sea. Both parties agreed to maintain open diplomatic channels and continue political conversations.
Additionally, the discussions highlighted progress in the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea negotiations and emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue between the two coast guards. Jing and Tulfo also agreed to advance cooperation in areas such as people-to-people exchanges, law enforcement, trade, and investment.
Ji clarified the envoy's previous statements, noting that any conflict would harm the long-term relationship between the two countries, and that dialogue and consultation are the best approaches to handling maritime disputes. He added that the ambassador's remarks were not an initiative to start talks with specific Philippine legislators or to tone down debates, but rather to foster clarity through necessary discussions.
The ongoing tensions had earlier led to proposals from both the Senate and Congress to declare certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata.
