Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about collaborating with China as it prepares to take on the chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2026. In a brief encounter with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of the 2025 APEC Summit, Marcos extended his congratulations and expressed his willingness to work together during China’s upcoming leadership of the annual meeting.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos described the interaction as a gesture of goodwill and respect. He recounted his exchange with Xi, stating, “Sabi ko lang sa kanya (I just told him), ‘congratulations, we look forward to doing a lot of good work with you as APEC chair’. And he said, ‘thank you, thank you’. And that was it. There was really not very much to it.” Marcos emphasized that his approach to Xi was out of common courtesy.
Marcos further elaborated that his intention to speak with Xi was motivated by a desire to engage with as many world leaders as possible during such summits to share perspectives. He clarified that there was no deep significance to the encounter, describing it as a standard diplomatic practice.
Additionally, President Marcos mentioned that there was no planned meeting with United States President Donald Trump, who attended the summit primarily to discuss trade issues with Xi. Marcos noted that neither side requested a meeting, citing ongoing trade discussions between Philippine officials and the White House.