China sends seasoned ‘American hand’ to serve as top envoy to Philippines

“As the ambassador, I will firmly safeguard China’s national interests and dignity, while also serving as a bridge to ensure China-Philippines relations stabilise rather than deteriorate, and that our peoples draw closer instead of drifting apart,” Jing was quoted as saying upon arrival, according to an embassy social media account. “The task is heavy, but I am confident.” Amid heightened geopolitical tensions between Manila and Beijing, China has repeatedly warned of the growing American military presence in the South China Sea and Washington’s closer defence ties with the Philippines. The China-Philippines clashes have heightened the risk of a broader conflict…