Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro formally registered Manila’s strong objections regarding Beijing’s recent maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea during bilateral discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, July 22.
The meeting took place at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings, marking the first ministerial-level dialogue between the two nations in two years.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the foreign ministers held a “candid, comprehensive, and constructive discussion” addressing a broad array of bilateral concerns.
Their agenda spanned political, security, and maritime issues, law enforcement, regional developments, and collaborative efforts in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.
”Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining open channels of communication, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening confidence-building measures,” the DFA said.
The DFA also noted that both nations acknowledged progress in negotiations for the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) and reaffirmed their target to finalize the agreement within the year.
”The two sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and sustaining dialogue on matters of mutual concern,” the DFA said.
During the session, Lazaro firmly reiterated the Philippines’ protest regarding violent actions committed by China Coast Guard personnel against Philippine Navy members near Ayungin Shoal on July 20.
”She conveyed the Philippines’ consistent and principled positions on the South China Sea and raised concerns over actions that have infringed on the country’s maritime rights and entitlements, including incidents affecting the safety of Filipino military personnel and fishermen. She also reiterated the call for the removal of the remaining structures in Bajo de Masinloc,” the DFA said.
In addition, Lazaro denounced a video published by China Daily on July 10 depicting Filipinos as monkeys, condemning the portrayal as deeply offensive and unacceptable. She underscored that ongoing legal and political disputes must never serve as justification for inflammatory media content.
Manila called on Beijing to exercise restraint, refrain from escalation, and resolve territorial disagreements peacefully through international legal frameworks, notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
While maritime friction persists, both delegations stressed the necessity of keeping lines of communication open and deepening mutual confidence-building measures.
Lazaro also reaffirmed Manila’s steadfast commitment to its diplomatic framework regarding Beijing.
”Secretary Lazaro also reiterated the Philippines’ adherence to its One China Policy, consistent with the 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Philippines and China,” the DFA said.
The DFA indicated that this engagement follows the 24th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting held in China in March 2026.
The diplomatic encounter reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue continuous dialogue and diplomacy while resolutely defending Philippine national sovereignty.