Lazaro says she had ‘frank,’ ‘constructive’ discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. pushed back against China’s call for the Philippines to exercise prudence in its words and actions on maritime issues, saying Manila has been more than responsible in addressing differences with Beijing.
Teodoro said the Philippines was simply telling the truth about developments in the South China Sea and should not be expected to hide facts to accommodate China.
His remarks came after Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she had a “frank and constructive” phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Lazaro said both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect.
Wang, for his part, urged the Philippines to “exercise prudence in its words and actions on maritime issues” and faithfully implement the One-China policy, according to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 97th Provincial Anniversary celebration of Misamis Occidental in Oroquieta City on Wednesday, Teodoro maintained that the Philippines had not violated its commitment to the One-China policy, pointing out that Manila had not recognized Taiwan as an independent country.
He also defended the right of Philippine officials to speak freely about Taiwan, including the country’s trade and investment ties with the island and the presence of Filipino workers there.
Teodoro reiterated that the Philippines was willing to manage its differences with China, but not at the expense of its sovereign rights.
He said Manila could not be expected to set aside the 2016 arbitral ruling without assurances that its rights would be respected.
The defense chief also stressed that his position was guided by the Philippine president, not the Chinese foreign minister.
Malacañang, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of protecting Philippine sovereignty and interests in the West Philippine Sea while maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said diplomatic engagement should remain the preferred approach in dealing with other nations, but officials tasked with defending the country’s territorial rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea must also be allowed to carry out their mandate.
The phone conversation between Lazaro and Wang came after the Philippine government summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over his remarks that Beijing could easily defeat Manila if it used force.
The statement sparked a war of words between Philippine officials and the Chinese Embassy in Manila. – ANC, The World Tonight, November 4, 2026