MANILA — The Philippines and China are looking to strengthen cooperation in key areas including trade, tourism, energy, and security following a high-level meeting in Malacañang.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan at the Palace to discuss ways to further enhance bilateral relations.

Both sides noted the resumption of dialogue aimed at improving ties and expressed optimism for more high-level visits in the coming months.

“Both countries also discussed tourism, people-to-people exchanges, more direct flights from between Philippine and Chinese cities, fight against transnational crimes, and overall economic relations, as well as the current energy situation,” the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) said in a statement Wednesday.

They also discussed preparations for the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum in 2026, expressing hopes of mutual support in the upcoming regional engagements.

Officials from the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Foreign Affairs were also present during the meeting.