ES Recto Meets Chinese Envoy on Bilateral Ties

Article by F. Palafox

Published on April 17, 2026 6:20AM

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on April 14 at Malacañang Palace to discuss China-Philippines relations, covering the West Philippine Sea, South China Sea, law enforcement, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.¹ ² ⁴ ⁵

The Chinese Embassy stated the two (2) sides exchanged views on stabilizing bilateral ties amid ongoing maritime tensions. ⁵ ⁷ Topics included managing West Philippine Sea (WPS) and South China Sea disputes diplomatically, boosting economic cooperation, and enhancing exchanges like tourism and direct flights. ³ ⁸

The meeting signals efforts to resume high-level dialogues, with Ambassador Jing hoping for more visits to foster positive signals between Manila and Beijing. ⁷ ⁸ It occurs as the Philippines asserts its WPS rights following recent incidents, while both nations reaffirm diplomacy over escalation. ³ ⁶ ⁸ ⁹

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Notes:

¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹

¹ PH, China discuss sea tensions, economic ties in Recto-Jing meeting https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/04/15/ph-china-discuss-sea-tensions-economic-ties-in-recto-jing-meeting/

² ES Recto, Chinese envoy talk about SCS issue, trade ties https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/983959/recto-chinese-embassy/story/

³ Philippines, China reaffirm diplomacy - BusinessWorld Online https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2026/04/15/743214/philippines-china-reaffirm-diplomacy/?amp

⁴ Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of the ... https://ph.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/

⁵ Ambassador Jing Quan Meets with Philippine Executive Secretary ... https://ph.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/sgdt/202604/t20260414_11891696.htm

⁶ Philippines lodges 'firm representations' to Chinese embassy over 'escalating' war of words on South China Sea https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-lodges-firm-representations-chinese-embassy-over-escalating-war-2026-01-26/

⁷ PH, China eye stronger ties as Recto meets Ambassador Jing in Malacañang https://globalnation.inquirer.net/318409/ph-china-eye-stronger-ties-as-recto-meets-ambassador-jing-in-malacanang

⁸ Recto, Chinese envoy tackle ties, South China Sea amid tensions https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/15/recto-chinese-envoy-tackle-ties-south-china-sea-amid-tensions

⁹ PH, China handling Recto Bank incident through diplomacy https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072730