China Appoints Veteran Diplomat Jing Quan as Ambassador to the Philippines

China has appointed Jing Quan, a senior diplomat with extensive U.S. experience, as its new ambassador to the Philippines. He arrived in Manila on Saturday to begin his duties. Jing previously served as the deputy chief of mission at China's embassy in Washington. This role made him the second-highest ranking diplomat there, giving him deep experience in managing complex relations with a major power. In his first public remarks, Ambassador Jing pledged a dual focus. He vowed to firmly defend China's national interests and dignity. He also promised to act as a bridge between the two nations. His goal is to help stabilize bilateral relations and bring their peoples closer together. The appointment comes at a time of ongoing maritime tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Jing's posting signals Beijing's emphasis on deploying seasoned diplomats to manage critical relationships.