MANILA, Philippines — New Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan on Tuesday night called for sustained dialogue and expanded economic cooperation to stabilize bilateral relations, saying Beijing and Manila had the “ability and wisdom” to manage their differences, particularly in the South China Sea. Speaking at the Chinese Embassy’s New Year media reception, Ambassador Jing said he had been in the Philippines for just over a month and pledged to safeguard China’s national interests while working to ensure relations “move toward stability rather than deterioration.” Jing said maritime disputes between the two countries had become more pronounced in recent years but stressed that neither side wanted conflict, warning that any confrontation would damage long-term ties between the two neighbors. “The best option is to sit down for talks and solutions in a diplomatic way,” he said, adding that diplomats from both sides were working on a roadmap for the next stage of dialogue and negotiations. The envoy said both countries were hoping to accelerate negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, noting that consultations had become more frequent and intensive, especially as the Philippines leads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year. While acknowledging tensions at sea and the spread of what he described as rumors demonizing China, Jing said Filipinos he had met — from government officials and business leaders to workers and students — wanted relations to improve and the situation in the South China Sea to stabilize. He echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s view that disputes should not define the relationship, saying differences should be the exception rather than the norm. Beyond maritime issues, Jing pointed to trade, investment, and infrastructure as key pillars of cooperation. He said China had remained the Philippines’ largest trading partner and source of imports over the past decade, and welcomed more Philippine exports to China, particularly agricultural products such as durian, mangoes, and bananas. He cited deals worth $36.6 million signed by Davao-based durian exporters at last year’s China International Import Expo, and noted the growing presence of Chinese consumer brands, electric vehicles, electronics, and retail chains in the Philippine market. The ambassador said China was keen to expand cooperation in high technology, renewable energy, environmental protection, and the digital economy, including discussions on garbage-to-energy projects that could reduce pollution, generate electricity, and lower power costs if adopted in major cities like Manila. Jing also cited Chinese-backed infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Bucana Bridge in Davao City, which he said had cut travel time from two hours to 20 minutes, as well as ongoing bridge projects in Manila and Davao. At the same time, he acknowledged that Chinese investment in the Philippines had lagged behind that in other Asean countries over the past two years, and expressed hope that improved political relations would lead to stronger trade and investment flows. On people-to-people exchanges, Jing welcomed the Philippines’ recent decision to grant 14-day visa-free entry to Chinese citizens, saying it could spur a new wave of Chinese tourists. He also called for stronger law enforcement cooperation to address kidnappings, scams, and other crimes targeting Chinese nationals. Addressing media practitioners, the envoy said journalists played a crucial role in shaping public perception and urged them to uphold objectivity and fairness. While welcoming constructive discussion, he warned that the embassy would firmly push back against what it considered groundless attacks, fake news, or efforts to incite hatred against China. He also reiterated Beijing’s position that the Philippines did not need to choose sides between China and the United States, saying Manila could maintain sound relations with both to best serve its long-term interests.