'Chinese envoy actively working to improve ties'

China’s top diplomat in the Philippines is doing his job for “better” relations with the Philippines, the Chinese embassy in Manila said yesterday.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO, Cecille Suerte Felipe

The embassy issued the statement after President Marcos said he was personally “upset” by the hostile behavior of Ambassador Huang Xilian, although he would not seek the envoy’s recall, as demanded by some quarters.

Marcos said he understood that Huang was “just doing his job” to push China’s stance on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.

“Amb Huang is doing his job for better China-Philippines relations,” the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy said it is hopeful bilateral relations next year would bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

Calls were made to expel Huang because of his disrespectful behavior, including his alleged bullying of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.