DFA’s Lazaro, Chinese FM in ‘frank, constructive’ talk

MANILA, Philippines —  Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a “frank, pragmatic and constructive” discussion on the direction of Philippines-China relations after which they agreed to manage their differences based on respect.

In a post on X, Lazaro said she spoke to her counterpart in a phone call on Tuesday and “both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said Lazaro received a telephone call from Wang during which they discussed the “state of bilateral ties at length.”

“The exchange was frank, pragmatic and constructive, and reflected the interest of both sides in a stable and predictable relationship founded on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the DFA said in a statement.

Wang, for his part, said a “small number of politicians” have “repeatedly attacked and smeared China out of political prejudice and for their own selfish interests, crossing China’s red lines.”

In a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang said his country’s bilateral relationship with the Philippines is facing “malicious interference” from certain Filipino politicians. He did not elaborate.

Wang said the Philippines should “exercise caution in their words and deeds” on the issue of the South China Sea.

He urged the Philippines to “strengthen its control over relevant personnel and issue a rational and unified statement” on its China policy.

The two Asian nations have long been at loggerheads over competing claims in the South China Sea, but tensions have risen in recent weeks following several diplomatic incidents. China is claiming almost the entire South China Sea, particularly the areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Beijing accused Manila last week of “erecting multiple obstacles” to its attendance at the coming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in the Philippines, a claim rejected by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.

‘Always  responsible’

Reacting to Wang’s pronouncement, Teodoro said the Philippines has always been responsible and careful in managing differences with China.

“We are always responsible. We hope we see the same kind of responsibility on the Chinese side. I mean we have been more than responsible. We have been very careful,” Teodoro said in a chance interview in Misamis Occidental.

In October, the DFA summoned Beijing’s Ambassador Jing Quan after he said China would “easily win” a conflict between the countries, with some local senators calling for his expulsion.

The DFA then reminded Jing that all diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting ambassadors, especially on social media.

The DFA said Lazaro and Wang shared the understanding that harmonious relationship rests on three principles: maintaining diplomacy and dialogue, avoiding actions and rhetoric that could needlessly undermine relations or heighten tensions and resolving disputes peacefully and managing differences responsibly.

Lazaro underscored that good relations between the Philippines and China serve the interests of both countries and of the region, hence the need to sustain goodwill through regular high-level exchanges, ministry-to-ministry channels and appropriate bilateral and regional mechanisms.

She stressed that the Philippines takes its responsibilities as ASEAN chair seriously, and conveyed President Marcos’ eagerness to see the participation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila. Li has customarily led the Chinese delegation to ASEAN-related summits in recent years.

“It is the Chinese premier who attends the summits, not President Xi. We have not received the official confirmation of Premier Li Qiang’s attendance, as this usually comes much closer to the summit,” said the DFA’s Office of ASEAN Affairs.

Wang, meanwhile, relayed to Lazaro China’s anticipation of Marcos’ participation in the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen.

“Both ministers assured each other that their respective leaders would be accorded the proper courtesies and assistance during these meetings,” the DFA said.

Their discussion also touched on maritime issues, “but focused on returning the relationship to an even keel” and on upholding the 1975 Joint Communiqué, which remains the basis of Philippines-China cooperation and of the Philippines’ one-China policy.

“The Philippines remains committed to a stable, predictable, mutually respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with China, in accordance with the national interest and in pursuit of an independent foreign policy as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution,” the DFA said. – AFP