MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in Manila said it will intensify efforts to bring bilateral relations with the Philippines “back on track” following a recent meeting between Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Erwin Tulfo.

“The Chinese Embassy will continue to actively promote dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and bring bilateral relations back on track at an early date. It is in the fundamental interests of both peoples,” Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said.

Jing and Tulfo met on Monday after weeks of tense exchanges between embassy and Filipino government officials over the West Philippine Sea issue. Ji described the meeting as “candid, constructive, and forward-looking.” The envoy outlined China’s stance on relations with the Philippines, the Taiwan question, and the South China Sea, and agreed to “keep diplomatic channels open and continue political conversations.”

Both sides also noted progress in negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea and emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue between their coast guards. They agreed to advance cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, law enforcement, trade, and investment.

Ji clarified remarks by Jing, in which he said “any conflict would inevitably harm the long-term relationship between the two neighboring countries” and that the best approach is to “sit down for talks.”

“By saying that, the Ambassador was referring to handling maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation,” Ji said.

“The context did not imply that the Chinese Embassy was initiating talks with specific Philippine legislators or trying to tone down the debate. Debate should proceed when necessary—truth becomes clearer through it,” he added.

The earlier tensions had prompted proposals in both the Senate and Congress to declare certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata.