Chinese Premier Li Qiang to attend ASEAN summit in Manila amid tensions with Philippines

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 11, 2026

Photo Courtesy: AFP

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to visit the Philippines this weekend to participate in the 29th China-ASEAN Summit, bringing Beijing’s top government official to Manila as regional leaders gather for a series of high-level meetings.

China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Li will attend the summit on November 15 and 16, following an official visit to Thailand from November 13 to 15. His trip comes at the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose country currently holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing hopes to use the meeting to strengthen ties and build greater trust with ASEAN member states.

China is also seeking closer cooperation with Southeast Asian nations in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, energy security, regional connectivity, and poverty reduction.

Li’s expected arrival comes against the backdrop of continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The two governments have exchanged diplomatic criticisms in recent weeks, including Beijing’s earlier accusation that the Philippines had placed obstacles to its participation in an ASEAN-related meeting. Manila rejected the allegation.

The broader ASEAN summit and related meetings are scheduled from November 15 to 18, with other world leaders expected to attend, including United States President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Japan and South Korea are also expected to be represented among ASEAN’s East Asian dialogue partners.