BUSAN, South Korea – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on China’s assumption of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) chairmanship, even as Manila and Beijing remain locked in a tense maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The two leaders shook hands during the symbolic turnover of APEC’s chairmanship at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, where South Korean President Lee Jae-myung formally handed over hosting duties to Xi at the close of the 2025 summit.
“I congratulated President Xi Jinping as China assumes the APEC Chairmanship in 2026 and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to partnership and meaningful cooperation in our region,” Marcos said in a social media post.
Marcos’ gesture underscored the Philippines’ balancing act – maintaining dialogue with Beijing under APEC’s economic framework while strengthening defense and economic ties with the United States and regional allies.
Xi’s upcoming APEC chairmanship is expected to test Beijing’s ability to steer regional cooperation amid growing geopolitical rivalries and a shifting global trade landscape.
The Chinese leader held a closely watched bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House this year, marking their first face-to-face encounter since tensions flared over trade and security issues. (PNA)