Metro Manila, Philippines – China confirmed that Manila and Beijing are preparing a new diplomatic “roadmap” ahead of the planned meeting between the Philippine and Chinese foreign ministers.
Chinese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong said discussions for the meeting are already underway following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ disclosure that the two sides are set to elevate diplomatic engagement.
Zhou said both countries already have an existing roadmap guiding bilateral relations and future engagements.
“We actually have a roadmap. That’s the fourth step of the roadmap. And I believe when Secretary (Tess) Lazaro meets with my Foreign Minister Wang Yi, they will discuss a new roadmap. That’s our plan,” he added.
The Chinese diplomat said Beijing continues to maintain communication with Manila.
“Our two countries keep communication at various levels,” Zhou said. “We talk to each other,” he added.
When asked whether the planned foreign ministers’ meeting could eventually lead to a summit between Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zhou responded: “Let’s hope, in your words, let’s pray.”
He, however, said there is still no schedule for such a summit-level meeting.
Zhou also confirmed that China has invited Foreign Affairs Secretary to visit Beijing.
“We invite Secretary Lazaro to visit China,” he said.
Marcos previously said Manila continues to pursue dialogue with Beijing to help maintain peace and stability in the region.
“We have engaged with China. We have raised the level of engagement with China,” Marcos said.
The president said Philippine and Chinese foreign ministers have already agreed to hold regular meetings.
“And I think the first meeting between our foreign secretary and the foreign minister of the People’s Republic is scheduled in about less than a month’s time,” he added.
The president highlighted the importance of continued diplomacy and engagement among countries in the Indo-Pacific amid growing geopolitical tensions.
“We continue to engage all stakeholders in this, and that is important,” Marcos said.
“Because no country can fix this problem or put this problem to rest by itself. It really has to be the cooperation of all the stakeholders,” he added.
The planned talks follow bilateral meetings held in Fujian, China in March during the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism on the South China Sea and the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations.
During those meetings, both sides discussed possible cooperation on oil and gas exploration, coast guard communication, renewable energy, trade, agriculture, and tourism.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said both sides also held a “frank and thorough exchange of views” on the South China Sea, where Manila reiterated concerns over Chinese actions that it said disrupted lawful Philippine activities at sea.
