Days before the country marks the Lunar New Year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan underscore cultural ties and cooperation amid simmering geopolitical tensions between Manila and Beijing officials.
At the launch of Phase II of the Chinatown Revitalization Project in Binondo Friday evening, Mr. Marcos said the heritage initiative honors centuries-old connections between Filipinos and the Chinese community while supporting tourism, mobility, and local business growth in Manila’s historic district.
“Heritage must be something we can all learn from and enjoy, regardless of where we come from or who we are,” Mr. Marcos said, adding that cooperation at the community level can strengthen mutual understanding even amid geopolitical challenges.
For his part, Ambassador Jing underscored the importance of neighborly ties.
“As neighbors, we should always respect each other, learn from each other, and help each other, but not hurt each other,” Jing said, expressing hope that exchanges between the two countries would continue to grow despite political differences.
The project builds on earlier work, including the restoration and illumination of Jones Bridge, and features new lighting installations and cultural presentations along Ongpin and Escolta streets, designed to draw visitors and enliven the city’s urban core.
Jing also thanked President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for what he described as their “personal care and support” in reviving Binondo, calling the district a living symbol of Filipino-Chinese heritage and long-standing ties between the two peoples.
He said a recent visit to the area impressed him with the “diligence and perseverance of generations of Chinese-Filipinos.”
Jing also announced new direct flights from China’s Fujian province to Cebu starting March 29, with plans to add more Manila-Fujian services, reinforcing travel links following the Philippines’ 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens.
The heritage push comes amid persistent tensions between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea.
The dispute has recently escalated into a public exchange between the Chinese Embassy and some senators, including those who called for the recall of Jing whom they described as “very aggressive and very sensitive.”
Mr. Marcos, however, rejected calls to expel any Chinese officials, saying the decision to appoint a new ambassador or retain the current envoy remains with Beijing.
