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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines protests China actions as Lazaro, Wang Yi hold first bilateral meeting in two years

Philippines protests China actions as Lazaro, Wang Yi hold first bilateral meeting in two years

DFA lodges protest over Ayungin Shoal incident, raises concerns over China's actions in the West Philippine Sea

Published Jul 22, 2026 07:08 pm

At A Glance

  • Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro raised Manila's strong protest over China's recent actions in the West Philippine Sea during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
  • Lazaro and Wang held their first foreign minister-level bilateral meeting since 2024 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Manila.
  • Both sides agreed to keep communication channels open, advance negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct, and pursue peaceful dialogue while addressing maritime issues.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on Wednesday, July 22, lodged the Philippines' strong protest over China's recent actions in the West Philippine Sea during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Manila.
The meeting, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), marked the first bilateral engagement at the foreign minister level between the Philippines and China in two years.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Lazaro and Wang held a "candid, comprehensive, and constructive discussion" covering the overall state of bilateral relations, including political and security issues, maritime and law enforcement concerns, regional and international developments, as well as cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people 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 said both sides also highlighted the progress of negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) and expressed their continued willingness to work together to conclude the negotiations this 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.
Concerns raised over Ayungin, Bajo de Masinloc
During the meeting, Lazaro reiterated the Philippines' strong protest over what the DFA described as the violent actions committed by China Coast Guard personnel against Philippine Navy personnel at 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.
The foreign affairs chief also condemned the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in a China Daily video released on July 10, describing the imagery as "deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable."
She stressed that disagreements over legal and political issues should never justify the use of offensive or inflammatory portrayals.
Push for peaceful dialogue, adherence to international law
The Philippines also urged China to exercise restraint, avoid actions that could further escalate tensions, and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Despite the maritime disputes, both sides emphasized the importance of keeping communication channels open, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening confidence-building measures.
The two foreign ministers also noted the progress of negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and reaffirmed their willingness to conclude the negotiations within the year.
They underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and sustaining dialogue on issues of mutual concern.
Bilateral meeting revives high-level PH-China engagement
Lazaro also reaffirmed the Philippines' adherence to its One China Policy, consistent with the 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Philippines and China.
"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 said the meeting followed the 24th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held in China in March 2026.
According to the DFA, the bilateral meeting was held in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to continue pursuing dialogue and diplomacy with China while remaining firm in protecting the Philippines' national interests. 

Related Tags

Philippines-China relations Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro Wang Yi West Philippine Sea ASEAN Ministerial Meetings
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