Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan during an official courtesy call in Davao City on Monday, January 26, as part of the envoy’s two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and local-level cooperation.
The meeting comes as relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China remain under strain following a series of public exchanges involving the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials and lawmakers.
Local officials did not disclose details of the discussions in Davao City, but the courtesy call reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement at the city level even as national leaders navigate heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over speech, protocol, and maritime issues.
Previously, the Philippine government pushed back against what it described as continued intimidation, with Senator Risa Hontiveros warning in a privilege speech that freedom of speech does not give foreign missions license to interfere in domestic affairs. At least 15 senators later signed a Senate resolution condemning recent embassy statements that criticized Philippine officials for positions taken in defense of national sovereignty and maritime rights.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines said it had made firm representations to the Chinese ambassador over the issue, reiterating support for Filipino officials performing lawful duties related to sovereignty concerns. Malacañang also said President Bongbong Marcos backs officials defending the country’s interests, while stressing that diplomacy remains necessary in managing disputes.
