Sen. Robin Padilla praised Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan as educated, gentlemanly and straightforward after meeting him at the 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit.

In a Facebook post Monday, Padilla described his meeting with the Chinese envoy as an opportunity to engage in direct dialogue, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication in preventing misunderstandings and promoting peace and development.

“Isang malaking pagkakataon ito upang makausap nang personal ang Ambassador ng China na si Ginoong Jing Quan. Edukado, gentleman, at diretsong kausap ang Ginoong Tsino,” Padilla said.

“Mainam na maging personal at harapan ang pakikipag-usap sa kanya upang maiwasan ang hidwaan dulot ng mga palitan ng salita na hindi makapagdudulot ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran,” he said.

Padilla's remarks came amid mounting criticism of Jing over his remarks that China would "easily win" if it resorts to force in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned Jing’s remarks, prompting Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro to summon the Chinese envoy over the controversy.

Padilla, meanwhile, thanked the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. for inviting him to the business summit, where he met the Chinese ambassador.

In a separate post, the senator called for unity and cooperation in pursuit of economic development and poverty alleviation.

“Iisang bangka tayo. Tayo'y magsagwan patungo sa pag-unlad at kalayaan sa kahirapan ng ating mga kababayan naghihikahos sa kahirapan at kawalan ng pag-asa,” he said.