PH, China hold talks in Beijing to address maritime issues, bilateral concerns

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Senior diplomats from the Philippines and China met in Beijing for two days of discussions on maritime tensions and other bilateral concerns, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday, March 4.

The talks were held Feb. 27–28 between Philippine Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Marshall Louis Alferez and Chinese Foreign Ministry officials Liu Jinsong, director-general for Asian affairs, and Hou Yanqi, director-general for boundary and ocean affairs.

Both sides exchanged views on key issues affecting the relationship and discussed possible areas where the two countries could cooperate, according to the DFA.

DFA maritime affairs spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva Jr. said the meeting reflected efforts to continue dialogue with China while dealing with disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

“These recent meetings are yet another demonstration of the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting national interests,” Villanueva said during a briefing.

He said the discussions were part of broader diplomatic efforts to maintain communication channels between the two governments despite tensions at sea.

“This shows our commitment to managing the situation at sea peacefully while asserting and upholding Philippine interests,” he added.

Villanueva said recent incidents and public exchanges between Philippine officials and the Chinese embassy contributed to the decision to hold the talks.

“Because of the issues that have taken place, the recent incidents and the exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials, that’s only one part of the reason why we wanted to push through with the direct negotiations, bilateral discussion between the Philippines and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

Villanueva said the meeting also included discussions on scheduling the next round of the Philippines–China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, a platform used by the two governments to address maritime and other bilateral issues.

“We are working closely with the other side to determine the most opportune time and the right environment for holding this BCM very soon,” he said.

The Beijing meeting followed an earlier round of discussions held in Cebu in January, which also focused on managing differences and identifying opportunities for cooperation.

Philippine officials said continued dialogue with China is part of Manila’s diplomatic approach to reduce tensions while maintaining its position on maritime issues.