MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines reiterated on Wednesday its “strong protest” over the violent actions committed by China Coast Guard personnel against a Filipino Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal on 20 July 2026, which resulted in the injury of the said personnel and damages to the Navy’s rubber boat used in patrolling the waters near Ayungin Shoal.
In their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings at the Philippine Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro conveyed the country’s strong protest over the incident.
“She [Lazaro] conveyed the Philippines’s consistent and principled positions on the South China Sea, and raised concerns over actions that have infringed on the maritime rights and entitlements, including incidents affecting the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen, and reiterated the removal of remaining structures in Bajo de Masinloc,” a statement from the DFA said.
Lazaro also raised the actions of a China state-media’s depiction of Filipinos as monkeys, in its op-ed AI video regarding the 10th year commemoration of the 2016 South China Arbitral Award.
“The Secretary emphasized that disagreements over legal and political issues do not justify resorting to disturbing imagery, drawing a firm line at the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in the 10 July 2026 China Daily video, which is deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable,” the DFA stated.
According to the DFA, the Philippines emphasized the need to exercise restraint, avoid actions that increase 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.
The two Foreign Ministers had a candid, comprehensive and constructive discussion on the overall state of Philippines-China relations, including political and security matters, maritime and law enforcement issues, regional and international developments, and mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, the DFA said.
Photo courtesy of ASEAN 2026 PH
Meanwhile, both sides underscored the importance of maintaining open channels of communication, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening confidence-building measures.
Both Ministers also highlighted the progress of the negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct, and the continued willingness to work together to conclude the negotiations of the COC 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.
