On 23 January 2024, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended the Asia House Annual Outlook 2024 launch and delivered a keynote speech titled “China is always a Staunch Force for Peace and Development in the Asia-Pacific” at invitation.

On the South China Sea, Ambassador Zheng pointed out that China remains steadfast in defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, China is committed to properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation with the parties directly concerned. China opposes actions by any country aimed at sowing discord and instigating trouble in the South China Sea.

Ambassador Zheng said that at the Eighth Meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held in Shanghai recently, the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea and maritime issues of their respective concern. Both sides agreed to properly manage relevant disagreements and create favourable conditions for the sound and stable development of China-Philippines relations.