MANILA — Amid simmering diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan publicly urged Filipinos and Chinese to “always like each other, but not hate each other,” framing people-to-people ties as the foundation of relations between the two countries.
Speaking in front of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Jing appealed for mutual respect and restraint, even as exchanges between Chinese and some Philippine officials have intensified in recent months.
“As neighbors, we should always respect each other, learn from each other, and help each other, but not hurt each other,” Jing said.
“So our two peoples should always like each other, but not hate each other. They should always visit each other’s countries very frequently,” he added.
The envoy underscored the depth of historical ties, noting that while the Philippines and China recently marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, their interaction spans centuries.
“For thousands of years, we were close neighbors and friends. As the Chinese often say, a close neighbor actually is more important than a distant relative,” he said.
Jing also highlighted economic and cultural linkages, pointing out that China has been the Philippines’ largest trading partner over the past decade. He cited ongoing efforts to revive tourism and improve connectivity between the two nations.
“China has decided that we will open the direct flights between Fujian and Cebu on March 29. That will be the first flight. Since then, each week, two flights. And if there are more tourists coming, then we will increase more,” he said.
Additional direct flights between Manila and Fujian have also been agreed upon, he added.
The ambassador welcomed the Philippines’ 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, describing it as a positive step toward boosting travel and exchanges.
He also thanked President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for backing initiatives to revive Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown.
“I would like to thank President Marcos and First Lady Lisa for their support to reviving the historic Binondo District, reaffirming its cultural and historical significance to Filipino-Chinese heritage and the long-standing people-to-people ties between our two countries. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without their personal care and support,” Jing said.
Sharing impressions from his recent visit to Binondo, the envoy praised the contributions of Chinese Filipinos.
“Although it’s quite brief, just one whole morning, the visit impressed me with the diligence and perseverance of generations of Chinese Filipinos. They have taken root in the Philippines and shared close bonds with the local communities,” he said.
Beyond trade and tourism, Jing said both governments are strengthening law enforcement cooperation to combat crime and ensure safe exchanges between their citizens.
Recalling historical photographs at Malacañang, including images from the 1974 visit of then-First Lady Imelda Marcos to China, the ambassador expressed hope that current efforts to sustain ties would be viewed positively by future generations.
“So I hope that 50 years from now, when people look back on this moment, and I think they will also feel very proud of the work, what we’re doing today,” he said./PN
