Differences should be ‘exception rather than norm’ for China and Philippines, Marcos says

China’s new ambassador to the Philippines has said both sides should try to get relations back on a “healthy” course, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has said differences between the two countries should be the “exception rather than the norm”.

Presenting his credentials to Marcos on Thursday, envoy Jing Quan said a healthy relationship would be essential for both countries’ development and beneficial to regional prosperity and progress.

“China hopes the Philippines will proceed from its fundamental and long-term interests, work in the same direction with Beijing, and steer bilateral ties back onto a healthy and stable track as soon as possible,” he said, according to the Chinese embassy.

Meanwhile, Marcos described China as one of the country’s “most important friends and partners”, according to the presidential office.

“I’m sure that there will be many opportunities for us to make the relationship between our two countries stronger, deeper and more important as the years go by,” he said.

“I look forward to working with you in managing the differences and intensifying the cooperation between our two countries. Our differences should be the exception in our ties rather than the norm.”

Tensions between the two countries have been escalating for more than a year with a series of confrontations in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

South China Morning Post