The Philippines directly confronted China over its recent actions in the West Philippine Sea, including the Chinese Coast Guard’s alleged “violent actions” against Filipino personnel near Ayungin Shoal and the continued presence of structures in Bajo de Masinloc.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro raised the protests during her bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City.
The meeting was the first between the foreign ministers of the Philippines and China in two years.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Lazaro conveyed Manila’s strong protest over the “unacceptable actions against Filipino personnel near Ayungin Shoal” and reiterated the Philippines’ demand for the removal of remaining structures in Bajo de Masinloc.
The latest incident near Ayungin Shoal involved Chinese Coast Guard personnel who allegedly struck a Philippine Navy member with a wooden baton, injuring the Filipino sailor and damaging a Philippine boat during an encounter near the BRP Sierra Madre.
Lazaro also raised a China Daily video that depicted Filipinos as monkeys, describing the imagery as “unacceptable, offensive, and distressing.”
“She 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,” the DFA said.
The Philippines also called for restraint and an end to actions that could further escalate tensions in the disputed waters.
“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 DFA said.
The two foreign ministers also discussed the need to keep communication channels open and manage tensions while pursuing practical ways to address their differences.
Despite the protests, the Philippines and China noted progress in negotiations for an ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and expressed willingness to conclude the agreement by the end of the year.
Lazaro also reaffirmed Manila’s adherence to its One China Policy, consistent with the 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Philippines and China.
The meeting was held as the Marcos administration continues to pursue dialogue with Beijing while maintaining its position on Philippine maritime rights and national interests.
The DFA said the engagement was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue diplomacy with China while remaining assertive in protecting Philippine interests.
