Chinese Ambassador Davao City visit underscored continued diplomatic engagement after the Chinese envoy paid a courtesy call on Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, according to city officials.

The Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines paid a courtesy visit to Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on Monday, highlighting continued diplomatic engagement and discussions on strengthening cooperation at the local government level, according to city officials.

The meeting took place in Davao City as part of the ambassador’s official activities in the region. City authorities said the visit aimed to reinforce bilateral relations between the Philippines and China through dialogue with local leaders, with a focus on practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Mayor Duterte welcomed the Chinese envoy during the visit, which officials described as cordial and constructive. Discussions reportedly centered on opportunities for collaboration in areas such as economic development, trade, cultural exchange, and local governance initiatives that could benefit Davao City and its communities.

The City Information Office said the ambassador’s visit underscored the role of local governments in fostering international partnerships, particularly in areas where cooperation can directly impact residents. While no formal agreements were announced, both sides acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue and mutual understanding.

Diplomatic observers note that courtesy calls between foreign envoys and local chief executives are common practice, serving as a platform to explore shared interests and exchange views on regional and local concerns. Such engagements are also seen as complementary to national-level diplomatic efforts, helping translate broader foreign relations into tangible local initiatives.

Davao City has long maintained ties with international partners, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Local officials said discussions during the meeting touched on potential areas where cooperation could be enhanced, including business opportunities, investments, and community-level programs.

The visit comes amid ongoing efforts by local governments to attract foreign interest and support development goals while ensuring that partnerships align with local priorities. City officials emphasized that engagements with foreign representatives are guided by national policies and are conducted with transparency and respect for Philippine laws and sovereignty.

Mayor Duterte, who assumed office in 2022, has continued to engage with various stakeholders, including diplomatic representatives, as part of efforts to position Davao City as an open and globally connected urban center. Officials said such meetings allow the city to present its development agenda and explore opportunities that may support long-term growth.

The Chinese Embassy has not released detailed statements on the visit, but similar courtesy calls in other parts of the country have previously focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, education, and cultural exchanges. Analysts say these interactions reflect ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries at multiple levels.

As Davao City continues to pursue economic recovery and sustainable development, local leaders say maintaining open communication with international partners remains a priority. While the outcome of the courtesy visit remains largely exploratory, city officials described it as a positive step toward continued dialogue and cooperation at the local level.