MANILA — China is preparing for the fourth round of its bilateral political dialogue with the Philippines, Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan said Wednesday, as reports emerged of an alleged structure being built at Bajo de Masinloc.

In a report, it said that maritime monitoring group SeaLight earlier reported that China appeared to have started constructing a structure in the area, also known as Scarborough Shoal and Panatag Shoal.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to issue an official response to the report. Meanwhile, Jing said there are positive developments in bilateral relations despite ongoing maritime tensions.

“Now we already have three rounds of political dialogue. We’re preparing now for the fourth round of dialogue. So, many positive progress,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has also yet to comment on the SeaLight report, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the matter is still being verified.

The last political dialogue between Philippine and Chinese officials was held in Cebu in January, ahead of negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which the Philippines currently chairs.

Jing also said there are groups he described as “anti-China forces” that allegedly seek to undermine relations between the two countries.

“But some people, some anti-China forces, they don’t want to see that. And they try every means, try to slow down, stop, or even destroy, damage our efforts The positive momentum.”

He made the remarks during the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding, where individuals were recognized for efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, including former National Security Adviser Dr. Clarita Carlos.

The Chinese envoy called for more cooperation, exchanges, and what he described as “positive energy” to improve relations and counter what he called negative narratives.

“We should have more exchanges, visits, cooperation, friendship, positive stories, positive elements, put more positive energy elements, good story to our bilateral relations to offset those noise, to make sure their attempt will be a failure. That is what we should do,” he said.