NEWLY appointed Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan has expressed his intention to pursue constructive engagement with Manila despite long-standing diplomatic and security challenges, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said on Friday.
During the Jan. 9 episode of “Sa Ganang Mamamayan,” a public affairs radio program broadcast on Net 25 and co-hosted by Marcoleta, the senator said Quan articulated this viewpoint during a recent meeting they had.
Marcoleta said both he and the Chinese envoy reached a mutual understanding that the relationship between the Philippines and China should not be framed as a zero-sum scenario, in which the gains of one nation inherently produce losses for the other. Instead, they emphasized the necessity of open, continuous and meaningful dialogue to address shared concerns, prevent misunderstandings and mitigate the potential for conflict.
The discussions also covered possible areas of cooperation, including marine resources, energy, agriculture and tourism. Marcoleta said collaboration in these sectors could help rebuild trust and contribute to a more stable and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.
The senator further raised the long-pending negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, noting that talks have been stalled for more than two decades. He expressed hope that renewed diplomatic efforts could help advance the negotiations.
On the West Philippine Sea issue, Marcoleta suggested that confidence-building measures could begin with the recognition of traditional fishing rights, which he described as a less contentious issue that does not directly involve questions of sovereignty and territorial claims.
Marcoleta also proposed broadening the Philippine negotiating panel with China beyond the Department of Foreign Affairs to include members of the legislature, subject-matter experts and other relevant sectors. He said Quan expressed willingness to engage a wide range of Philippine stakeholders, including the Department of National Defense.
The senator added that he is prepared to help arrange a meeting among himself, Quan and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., citing his personal ties with the defense chief as a friend and province mate.