Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines raised its strongest concerns yet over China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea during high-level talks Tuesday, July 22, protesting the violent confrontation at Ayungin Shoal, the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in a Chinese state media video, and Beijing’s continued presence at Bajo de Masinloc.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro conveyed Manila’s positions during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. The meeting marked the first bilateral engagement at the foreign minister level between the two countries in two years.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Lazaro reiterated the Philippines’ “strong protest” over the violent actions of China Coast Guard personnel against Philippine Navy personnel during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on July 20.
Lazaro reiterated the Philippines’ call for the removal of China’s remaining structures at Bajo de Masinloc.
The DFA said Lazaro also raised the China Daily video that depicted Filipinos as monkeys, telling Wang that disagreements over legal and political issues “do not justify resorting to disturbing imagery.”
She described the portrayal as “deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable.”
The Philippines also called on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate 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.
Despite the tensions, the two foreign ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining open communication, strengthening confidence-building measures and reducing the risk of miscalculation in the South China Sea.
Both sides also noted progress in negotiations for the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct and reaffirmed their willingness to conclude the negotiations this year.
Lazaro reiterated the Philippines’ adherence to its One China Policy, consistent with the 1975 Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing.
China has yet to release a statement on the bilateral meeting.
