PH, China top diplomats discuss ties, maritime issues in ‘frank and constructive’ phone call

MANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Tuesday said she and her counterpart Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed bilateral relations and maritime issues in a phone call, with both sides emphasizing dialogue and the need to manage differences.

In a post on X, Lazaro described the conversation as “frank and constructive.” She said both sides stressed “the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect.”

China’s Foreign Ministry said the call took place on November 3 at Lazaro’s request. Its readout was in Chinese and automatically translated into English by Google Translate. In that translation, Wang said China-Philippines relations were facing “malicious interference.” He accused some Philippine politicians of attacking China, politicizing normal exchanges and crossing Beijing’s “red lines.”

Wang urged Manila to “strengthen its control over relevant personnel and issue a rational and unified statement on its China policy,” according to the translated readout. He also said the Philippines should “exercise caution in its words and actions on maritime issues.”

The readout said Lazaro affirmed that the Philippines values its relationship with China and wants stable, predictable ties. It quoted her as saying Manila “adheres to the one-China policy” and is willing to “properly handle maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation.”

The ministry said the two sides reached a “basic consensus” to maintain diplomatic dialogue, oppose provocations that undermine diplomatic efforts and responsibly manage differences. 

It also said they exchanged views on the upcoming East Asia Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in the Philippines and the APEC leaders’ meeting in Shenzhen.