Marcos: Differences should be exception to ties between PH, China

The Philippines’ differences with China should be the exception rather than the norm in the diplomatic ties between the two countries, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

The President made the remarks as he received the credentials of newly designated Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan in Malacañang.

He noted that China is one of the Philippines’ most important friends and partners in the world.

“I’m sure that there will be many opportunities for us to make the relationship between our two countries stronger, deeper and more important as the years go by,” Marcos said.

“I look forward to working with you in managing the differences and intensifying the cooperation between our two countries. Our differences should be the exception in our ties rather than the norm,” he added.

The Philippines, China, and several other countries have an ongoing territorial dispute over the South China Sea. In November 2023, Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the territorial dispute should not be the defining factor in their nations’ diplomatic relations.

The President also received the letters of credence of Felipe Alejandro Diaz Ibañez, the newly-designated Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to the Philippines.

The new envoys vowed to dedicate their efforts towards the deepening of the bilateral cooperation and friendly relations between the Philippines and their respective countries.

Newly-designated ambassadors officially begin their diplomatic tenure by presenting credentials, an act that underscores a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering international cooperation. — JMA, GMA Integrated News