Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan on Tuesday, April 14, to discuss bilateral relations, including maritime tensions in the South China Sea and opportunities to expand economic cooperation.
According to the Office of the Executive Secretary, the courtesy call took place amid continued Philippine efforts to assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea following recent maritime and aerial incidents in the area.
Ambassador Jing acknowledged ongoing dialogue efforts aimed at improving bilateral relations and expressed hope for more high-level exchanges within the year to further strengthen engagement. The discussions also covered maritime developments and potential cooperation in law enforcement.
The meeting came after reports that flares were fired near a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft conducting routine patrols close to Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and Zamora (Subi) Reef. Philippine authorities described the incident as dangerous and intimidating.
Civil society voices also reiterated calls to defend sovereignty and reject coercive actions.
“This is a clear act of intimidation. No nation asserting its lawful rights should be met with actions that endanger lives,” said civic leader and Palace ally Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia.
“When pressure replaces dialogue, then it is no longer about misunderstanding. It is about forcing a narrative, and that must be rejected,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippines recently inaugurated a new Coast Guard base on Pag-asa Island to strengthen maritime presence and support Filipino fishermen, as part of broader efforts to maintain a consistent and lawful presence within Philippine territory.