PBBM laments lack of progress in resolving South China Sea disputes

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FAREWELL CALL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. bids farewell to outgoing Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian during a meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday (Sept. 25, 2025). During the farewell call, Marcos and Huang discussed the ongoing South China Sea disputes. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang Press Corps Pool via PNA)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed dismay over the lack of further progress in addressing the longstanding South China Sea (SCS) disputes between the Philippines and China.

Marcos cited the stalled development during his farewell meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

He described the continued impasse as “unfortunate,” acknowledging the importance of dialogue and cooperation to ease tensions and resolve maritime issues in the contested waters.

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t make much more progress on the difficulties that we have in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea,” Marcos told Huang.

Despite this, Marcos recognized Huang’s dedication to improve the two nations’ relations during his tenure.

“We will miss you. I think you have made a very good second home in Manila,” he said.

Huang is a seasoned Chinese diplomat with over three decades of experience in foreign affairs.

He served as China’s Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 2018 to 2019 before his appointment as Ambassador to the Philippines.

During his time in the Philippines, Huang was involved in numerous high-profile diplomatic engagements amid ongoing tensions over the South China Sea dispute.