NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Talks Over Tensions As PH, China Find Common Ground On South China Sea Roadmap
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan. Screengrab from Chinese Embassy Manila
The Philippines and China have reached a “preliminary consensus” on creating a roadmap aimed at managing tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan revealed on Tuesday night.
Speaking at a New Year reception for the media in Makati City, Jing said discussions between the two countries’ foreign ministries have been ongoing, especially as maritime disputes have become more pronounced in recent years.
“Any conflict would inevitably harm the long-term relationship between our two neighboring countries. So, the best option is to sit down for talks and solutions in a diplomatic way,” Jing said.
“At present, our diplomats from the two sides are working toward this goal, and have already reached some consensus on a roadmap for the next stage of dialogue and negotiation,” he added.
China, the Philippines, and several Southeast Asian nations continue to be locked in competing claims in the South China Sea, a vital global trade route believed to hold vast, undiscovered oil reserves.
Over the past year, tensions at sea have repeatedly flared, with incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels.
As of posting, both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have yet to release further details on what the proposed roadmap would include.
COC negotiations
In the same address, Jing said China remains committed to speeding up and completing negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea by the end of 2026, noting that the next round of talks is set for the first quarter of the year.
“[C]onsultations are becoming more frequent and more intensive. So, both sides, we all want to finish the COC negotiation by the end of this year,” he said.
“If we can reach a COC, that will be very helpful for the regional stability and very helpful for the long-term China-Philippines relations,” he added.
While negotiations are still ongoing, Jing urged all parties to “keep communication channels open, refrain from provocative or confrontational actions, and prevent tensions from escalating.”
As he formally takes on his role as China’s new ambassador to the Philippines, Jing said he intends to serve as a bridge to help steady and improve relations between the two countries.
“The South China Sea issue is only one portion of China–Philippines relations. We still need to have the bigger picture in mind,” he said.
Quoting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Jing added: “let us not allow these differences to define our relationship.” He also echoed the President’s view that “Our differences should be the exception in our ties rather than the norm.”
Speaking at a New Year reception for the media in Makati City, Jing said discussions between the two countries’ foreign ministries have been ongoing, especially as maritime disputes have become more pronounced in recent years.
“Any conflict would inevitably harm the long-term relationship between our two neighboring countries. So, the best option is to sit down for talks and solutions in a diplomatic way,” Jing said.
“At present, our diplomats from the two sides are working toward this goal, and have already reached some consensus on a roadmap for the next stage of dialogue and negotiation,” he added.
China, the Philippines, and several Southeast Asian nations continue to be locked in competing claims in the South China Sea, a vital global trade route believed to hold vast, undiscovered oil reserves.
Over the past year, tensions at sea have repeatedly flared, with incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels.
As of posting, both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have yet to release further details on what the proposed roadmap would include.
COC negotiations
In the same address, Jing said China remains committed to speeding up and completing negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea by the end of 2026, noting that the next round of talks is set for the first quarter of the year.
“[C]onsultations are becoming more frequent and more intensive. So, both sides, we all want to finish the COC negotiation by the end of this year,” he said.
“If we can reach a COC, that will be very helpful for the regional stability and very helpful for the long-term China-Philippines relations,” he added.
While negotiations are still ongoing, Jing urged all parties to “keep communication channels open, refrain from provocative or confrontational actions, and prevent tensions from escalating.”
As he formally takes on his role as China’s new ambassador to the Philippines, Jing said he intends to serve as a bridge to help steady and improve relations between the two countries.
“The South China Sea issue is only one portion of China–Philippines relations. We still need to have the bigger picture in mind,” he said.
Quoting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Jing added: “let us not allow these differences to define our relationship.” He also echoed the President’s view that “Our differences should be the exception in our ties rather than the norm.”
Jan 21, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
