MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to reset the Philippines’ relationship with China and prevent past tensions from recurring, Malacañang said following the President’s meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos met with the Chinese envoy for about one hour and 20 minutes on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations.

“Actually, tumagal ang meeting ng isang oras at bente minutos. Yes, nag-usap sila, at ang nais na mangyari dito ng Pangulo ay hindi na maulit ang mga pangyayari at ma-reset sana ang relasyon ng China at ng Pilipinas sa mas magandang pakikipag-ugnayan,” Castro said.

Asked about Jing’s statement that the Philippines had violated a July 2024 arrangement between Manila and Beijing, Castro said the government could not confirm the existence of such an agreement because no written document has been presented.

“Hindi ko masasabi kung mayroon dahil hindi kailangan sa kaniya manggaling muna kung anong arrangement iyong sinasabi niya. Kasi ang huli nating nabanggit, ang huli nating nadinig ay ang secret deal pero hindi iyon sa panahon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ‘Di ba? Iyon iyong sinasabing secret deal na hindi dapat gumalaw sa BRP Sierra Madre, right? Pero hindi iyon deal with President Marcos,” Castro emphasized.

She said Malacañang has requested a copy of the alleged agreement before making any conclusions.

“That’s why sinasabi nga po natin, kunin ninyo po sa kaniya kung mayroong written agreement. ‘Di ba? Kasi hindi po natin masasabi kung mayroon eh. Hindi sa atin nanggaling eh iyong statement na iyon,” Castro said.

Castro also said President Marcos and Ambassador Jing had a productive exchange of views during the meeting but agreed not to disclose the details of their discussions.

“Nagkaroon po sila ng exchanges ng views at mga suggestions. Pero kung anuman po iyong napag-usapan nila in detail ay hindi ko po maibabanggit sa inyo,” Castro said.