Chinese envoy tells Philippines government: Let’s talkMANILA, Philippines — China’s top diplomat urged the Philippines to talk with China in order to find ways to manage differences, while admitting that winning a confrontation with a smaller neighbor risks losing a long-term relationship. In his remarks at a Lunar New Year reception on Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan suggested that the two sides sit down and talk. Let’s talk. The Chinese embassy in Manila retaliated, banning 16 people from Kalayaan, including local officials led by Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan. Kalayaan is the country’s only municipality located inside the WPS and is considered the frontline of Philippine sovereignty in the area.

Source: Philippine Star February 11, 2026 16:41 UTC