The Philippines and China resumed their bilateral political dialogue on Thursday after “more than a year-long hiatus,” according to the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
The meeting, co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim and Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Ocean Affairs Hou Yanqi, took place ahead of ASEAN-China negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
While the Department of Foreign Affairs withheld specifics, it confirmed that both sides held a candid exchange on bilateral ties, maritime concerns, and broader regional issues.
“They underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue and continued cooperation across all sectors,” the DFA said.
Beijing earlier noted it is “actively facilitating potential cooperation” in clean energy, digital economy, waste-to-energy, agriculture, and poverty reduction.
The talks followed recent friction between the Chinese Embassy and Filipino officials over the West Philippine Sea.
Malacañang emphasized that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. backs a “firm with diplomacy” stance, as lawmakers floated proposals to declare certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata.