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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines can protest China while keeping dialogue open—Lazaro

Philippines can protest China while keeping dialogue open—Lazaro

Published Jul 22, 2026 04:37 pm

At A Glance

  • Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines can firmly protest China's actions while keeping diplomatic channels open following talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
  • Lazaro raised Manila's protests over the recent Ayungin Shoal incident and the China Daily video depicting Filipinos as monkeys during the bilateral meeting.
  • The talks marked the first foreign minister-level bilateral meeting between the Philippines and China in two years.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro holds a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Pasay City, July 22, 2026. (Lazaro/X)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro holds a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Pasay City, July 22, 2026. (Lazaro/X)

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines remains committed to engaging China through dialogue even as it firmly protested Beijing's recent actions in the West Philippine Sea during bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, July 22.

In a post on X following the meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, Lazaro said she reiterated the Philippines' concerns while emphasizing the need to keep diplomatic communication open.

"I reiterated our strong protest over the unacceptable actions against Filipino personnel near Ayungin Shoal, and the disturbing imagery in China Daily video," she said.

"At the same time, we discussed the importance of keeping communication lines open, managing tensions, and pursuing practical ways forward," she added.

PH raises fresh protests

According to the DFA, Lazaro reiterated the Philippines' strong protest over the "violent actions" committed by China Coast Guard personnel against Filipino Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal on July 20 and raised concerns over actions that infringed on the country's maritime rights and endangered Filipino personnel and fishermen.

She also reiterated the Philippines' call for the removal of China's remaining structures in Bajo de Masinloc and condemned the July 10 China Daily video depicting Filipinos as monkeys, saying disagreements over legal and political issues "do not justify resorting to disturbing imagery," which she described as "deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable."

The DFA said the Philippines likewise stressed the need for all parties to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate tensions, and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

First meeting in two years

According to the DFA, Lazaro and Wang held a "candid, comprehensive and constructive discussion" on Philippines-China relations, covering political and security issues, maritime and law enforcement matters, regional developments, and cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining open communication, enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening confidence-building measures, and reducing the risk of miscalculation while sustaining dialogue on issues of mutual concern.

Lazaro also reaffirmed the Philippines' adherence to its One China Policy, consistent with the 1975 Joint Communiqué between Manila and Beijing.

The meeting was the first bilateral engagement between the Philippine and Chinese foreign ministers in two years and was held in accordance with President Marcos’ directive to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China while remaining assertive in protecting Philippine national interests.

Related Tags

Ma. Theresa Lazaro Wang Yi PH-China China Daily ASEAN DFA South China Sea West Philippine Sea
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