The Philippines and China have agreed to manage their differences through diplomacy and dialogue as both countries seek to keep bilateral relations stable and predictable, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.
The understanding emerged from a telephone conversation between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Nov. 3, during which they discussed the state of relations between Manila and Beijing.
The DFA described the exchange as “frank, pragmatic, and constructive,” saying both sides recognized the need for a relationship based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Both ministers agreed that maintaining stable ties would require regular dialogue, avoiding actions and statements that could strain relations or escalate tensions, and pursuing peaceful ways to manage disputes, the agency said.
Lazaro stressed that good relations between the two countries benefit not only the Philippines and China but also the wider region.
She called for sustained engagement through high-level exchanges, communication between their respective ministries, and existing bilateral and regional mechanisms.
The discussion also covered upcoming regional and international meetings.
Lazaro told Wang that the Philippines takes its responsibilities as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seriously. She also conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s expectation that Chinese Premier Li Qiang would attend the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila on Nov. 15 to 18.
Wang, meanwhile, expressed China’s anticipation of Marcos’ participation in the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen.
The DFA said both ministers assured each other that their respective leaders would receive appropriate courtesies and assistance during the meetings.
Separately, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines had consistently acted responsibly in dealing with China and expressed hope that Beijing would demonstrate the same approach.
“Well, we are always responsible, so 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.
Asked about calls to restrict politicians from making statements that could complicate the issue, Teodoro said he would defer to the President on the matter.
The DFA also welcomed a joint appeal issued on Nov. 3 by Philippine business and sectoral organizations calling for the stabilization of relations between Manila and Beijing.
The agency described the appeal as a constructive contribution, highlighting the importance of candor, composure, principled conduct, sound judgment and measured engagement in foreign relations.
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