Incoming Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro assured that there will be continuity in the country’s diplomacy and foreign policy with China even as it tackles the maritime disputes in the region.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Incoming DFA chief vows to sustain diplomacy in trying to resolve sea dispute with China
Philippines
National
Incoming DFA chief vows to sustain diplomacy in trying to resolve sea dispute with China
Incoming DFA chief vows to sustain diplomacy in trying to resolve sea dispute with China
Published Jun 1, 2025 02:35 pm
Incoming DFA Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian shake hands at the opening of a photo exhibit in Manila to mark the 50 years of Philippines-China relations on Friday, May 30, 2025. (Photo from Amb. Huang"s Facebook page)
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a photo exhibit to mark the 50 years of Philippine-China relations, the current DFA undersecretary for bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs bared plans to continue with what DFA Secretary and incoming Philippine Representative to the United Nations Enrique Manalo has started.
“If you're talking about political sense, as far as foreign affairs, foreign policy and diplomacy, I think that's not a problem. There's no challenges, there's no difficulties,” she said.
While there are challenges in the country’s relationship with China, Lazaro stressed that “we have to continue to move on.”
“This is a perfect example of people-to-people relationship and we just have to look into the positive areas, but you know, the political part, the maritime issues, that's something that is being dealt with bilaterally. So we will continue. There are challenges but we have to continue to move on,” she explained.
Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian, for his part, welcomed Lazaro’s appointment as DFA chief, noting the “valuable” communication she has forged with Chinese officials.
“As I said, she is enjoying a very valuable communication with her Chinese counterparts Of course, it's my honor to be in charge of communication with her Incoming Secretary Lazaro,” he said in a media interview.
On Facebook, Huang shared about Lazaro’s visit to Bahay Tsinoy.
“Glad to join DFA USec Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and her team at Bahay Tsinoy! We embarked on a meaningful journey through the rich history and culture of Filipino-Chinese communities. Let’s work side by side toward an even brighter future of bilateral relations,” he wrote, while sharing photos with the incoming DFA chief and other officials.
Lazaro’s appointment as DFA secretary comes several months before the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship in 2026.
She will assume the DFA’s top post on July 31.