The Philippines and China renewed their commitment to keep diplomatic lines open and manage differences peacefully as officials from both countries held bilateral talks in Manila on Thursday ahead of major regional meetings this year.
The discussions, led by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Marshall Louis Alferez and Liu Jinsong, Director-General for Asian Affairs of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on key bilateral issues, regional cooperation, and areas where both sides may continue practical engagement.
Liu later paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Manila meeting built on earlier discussions held during the Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Quanzhou, China, on March 28, 2026.
The DFA said both sides exchanged their respective positions in an “open and frank manner,” underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue amid issues affecting the bilateral relationship.
Both sides also reaffirmed the need to maintain open communication and address differences peacefully through diplomacy, while exploring practical and non-sensitive areas of cooperation.
Officials also discussed constructive engagement ahead of this year’s ASEAN and APEC meetings, with both sides reiterating their commitment to fostering a stable Philippines-China relationship and promoting regional peace.