President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has welcomed China’s move to launch direct flights between Cebu and Fujian, thanking Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan for the development, which he said would boost Philippines-China ties.
Speaking at the launch of Chinatown Revitalization Phase II in Binondo, Manila, Marcos Jr. expressed hope the new route would spur stronger people-to-people exchanges.
Jing earlier announced that China approved the direct Fujian–Cebu flights following requests from Cebu residents, noting that 90% of Filipino-Chinese trace roots to Fujian and that Chinese tourists can visit Cebu visa-free.
The first flight is set for March 29, with two weekly trips to start and more to be added if tourist demand rises.
Jing also said China will add two more direct flights between Manila and Fujian as more Chinese tourists return.
The envoy added that Beijing hopes to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Manila to jointly combat crime and ensure safe exchanges between the two countries.
“At the same time, we also hope to further strengthen our law enforcement cooperation with the Philippine side to jointly fight against crime and to ensure the safety for normal people-to-people exchanges,” he said.IMT
