Marcos wants fresh start with China, says Palace

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to improve the Philippines’ relationship with China and prevent new tensions in the West Philippine Sea, according to Malacañang.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos Jr. and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan met for about one hour and 20 minutes to discuss bilateral relations.

According to Castro, the President hopes both countries can move toward a better relationship and avoid a repeat of recent incidents at sea.

When asked about Ambassador Huang’s claim that the Philippines violated a supposed July 2024 agreement, Castro said the government cannot confirm such a deal because no written document has been presented.

She noted that the only alleged agreement previously mentioned was the so-called “secret deal” involving BRP Sierra Madre, which was not made under the Marcos administration.IMT