MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and China discussed the state of bilateral ties between the two countries, with emphasis on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as properly managing differences and disputes.
In a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), it confirmed the telephone call between Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro ang Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday (3 November 2026), which it described as “frank, pragmatic, and constructive.”
“I had a telephone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon and had a frank and constructive discussion on the direction of Philippines-China relations,” Lazaro said.
“Both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect,” she added.
The phone conversation comes amid continuing tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly heated exchanges between Philippine government officials and the Chinese Embassy in Manila over issues on the West Philippine Sea and other security issues.
The conversation also reflected the interest of both sides in a stable and predictable relationship founded on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, the DFA said.
During the phone call, both ministers highlighted three principles to further stabilized the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and China.
“The two ministers shared the understanding that such a relationship rests on three principles: first, that both sides maintain diplomacy and dialogue; second, that both sides avoid actions and rhetoric that could needlessly undermine relations or heighten tensions; and third, that both sides resolve disputes peacefully and manage differences responsibly,” the DFA stated.
According to Secretary Lazaro, good relations between the Philippines and China serve the interests of both countries and of the region, and must be sustained through regular high-level exchanges, ministry-to-ministry channels, and the appropriate bilateral and regional mechanisms.
PH as ASEAN Chair; APEC participation
Secretary Lazaro also stressed that the Philippines takes its responsibilities as ASEAN Chair seriously, and conveyed that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is looking forward to the participation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila.
Premier Li has customarily led the Chinese delegation to ASEAN-related summits in recent years, the DFA stated.
For his part, Foreign Minister Wang conveyed China’s anticipation of President Marcos’s 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 mentioned.
PH, China bilateral relations on “even keel”
Secretary Lazaro and Minister Wang also covered “other matters of concern” during the phone call, but mainly focused on returning the relationship to “an even keel” and on upholding the 1975 Joint Communiqué, which remains the enduring 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.
