With the South China Sea island disputes unresolved, according to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, its newly appointed Ambassador to the Philippines, Jin Quan, presented his credentials to Marcos Jr. on the 11th. Marcos Jr. welcomed his assumption of office and exchanged views on bilateral relations. Jin Quan expressed hope that the Philippine side would work together "to promote the early return of bilateral relations to a healthy and stable development track."
Jin Quan arrived in the Philippines on the 6th to take up his new post and on the 9th submitted a copy of his credentials to Philippine Assistant Foreign Minister and Chief of Protocol Peranida. On December 10th, he paid a courtesy call on Philippine Foreign Minister Lazaro. "The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, maritime issues, Taiwan-related issues, people-to-people exchanges, economy and trade, as well as safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines."
On the 11th, Jin Quan presented his credentials to Philippine President Marcos Jr. at the Presidential Palace. According to embassy information, Marcos Jr. welcomed Jin Quan’s assumption of office and stated that China is one of the most important friends and partners of the Philippines. He believes there will be many opportunities for both sides to deepen bilateral relations, making them stronger and more important. "We look forward to working with the Chinese side to manage differences and strengthen cooperation. Differences should be the exception in China-Philippines relations, not the norm."
Jin Quan stated that a healthy and stable China-Philippines relationship is a practical need for the joint development of both countries and is also conducive to the prosperity and progress of the region. "The Chinese side expects the Philippine side to act in its own fundamental and long-term interests, move forward together with China, grasp the correct strategic direction for China-Philippines relations, and promote the early return of bilateral relations to a healthy and stable development track."
According to public information, Jin Quan is from Shaanxi, and has previously served as Attaché and Third Secretary in the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Third Secretary and Deputy Director of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director of the Bilateral Division of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, Counselor and Director of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Counselor of the General Office of the State Council, Deputy Director-General of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and from 2021, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in the United States until this transfer as Ambassador to the Philippines. Jin Quan’s predecessor as Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines was Huang Xilian.