President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially welcomed China’s decision to establish direct flight routes between Cebu and Fujian province, hailing the move as a vital step in enhancing “people-to-people exchange” and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the Chinatown Revitalization Phase II at the Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. The President expressed his gratitude to Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan for the development, noting its potential to catalyze greater interaction between the Philippines and China.
The new air route addresses a long-standing request from the Filipino-Chinese community. Ambassador Jing Quan highlighted the cultural significance of the route, noting that 90% of Filipino-Chinese citizens trace their ancestry back to Fujian.
Key Flight Details:
-
Launch Date: March 29, 2026
-
Frequency: Two flights per week (with potential to increase based on demand).
-
Visa Policy: Chinese tourists can travel directly to Cebu visa-free, further incentivizing tourism.
“I hope that it will be the beginning of more interactions and people-to-people exchange,” President Marcos stated. “I thank you very much for the good news that you have brought.”
In addition to the Cebu-Fujian route, Ambassador Jing announced that China will add two additional direct flights between Manila and Fujian to accommodate the rising number of Chinese tourists returning to the capital.
Beyond tourism and travel, the Ambassador emphasized a commitment to regional stability and safety. He expressed China’s intent to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Philippine authorities to combat crime and ensure the safety of travelers and citizens involved in these exchanges.
