Philippines seeks more Chinese tourists despite sea differences

Kiswahili

The Philippines is calling on more Chinese travelers to visit its islands and experience its culture, even as disagreements persist over the West Philippine Sea. Officials promoted tourism ties during a business mission in Beijing.

Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz addressed participants at the Philippine Tourism Industry Business Mission 2026 in Beijing on Tuesday. He described tourism as a bridge between peoples and societies, noting it goes beyond leisure to foster encounters and stories.

The event gathered 35 Philippine travel companies and about 280 Chinese travel agencies. It marked the first such mission in China since 2019, with similar activities held in Chengdu and Guangzhou.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin presented the “Love the Philippines” brand as an invitation to the country’s biodiversity, destinations, culture, and hospitality. Beijing-based attaché Ireneo Reyes said the Philippines is ready to welcome more visitors through better connectivity and the 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese nationals introduced in January.

FlorCruz highlighted a recent rise in Chinese arrivals and expressed confidence in renewed goodwill between the two tourism sectors.

Makala yanayohusiana

Illustration depicting diverse global tourists joyfully discovering China's landscapes, culture, history, and modern attractions amid record inbound tourism growth.
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China boosts inbound tourism services to attract global visitors

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Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli stated at a news conference on people's livelihood during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress that China is ramping up efforts to promote the integration of culture and tourism, sharing its landscapes, culture, history, and modern life with global visitors. In 2025, inbound tourist trips exceeded 150 million, up more than 17 percent year-on-year, while spending surpassed $130 billion, an increase of over 40 percent. Authorities will continue improving the full inbound tourism chain to make travel to China easier.

China urges Philippines to take steps to stabilize ties

China and the Philippines resumed high-level dialogue on Saturday in Quanzhou, Fujian province, through the 11th meeting of the South China Sea bilateral consultation mechanism and the 24th round of China-Philippines Foreign Ministry Consultations. Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim co-chaired the talks, with Beijing urging Manila to match words with actions.

Philippines, China diplomats meet in Quanzhou for maritime talks

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Filipino and Chinese diplomats are meeting in Quanzhou from March 27 to 28 for the Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the talks are for frank exchanges on bilateral issues and exploring cooperation in non-sensitive areas.

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At least two senators and seven House members will attend a dialogue with fisherfolk, frontliners, local officials and students on West Philippine Sea issues in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Monday. The event, organized by the Atin Ito Coalition behind three civilian supply missions to the area, aims to discuss national sovereignty, livelihoods and regional security.

Seoul benefits from Sino-Japanese row as Chinese tourists turn to Korea

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Amid a sudden deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations, Chinese tourists originally planning to visit Japan instead opted for Korea during the Lunar New Year holiday. The nine-day period, from February 15 to Monday, filled hotels in Korea and provided relief to its sluggish domestic economy. A 22-year-old from Sichuan province, Tang, said his family decided to stay in Seoul after being unable to refund tickets for onward travel to Japan.

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