MANILA — The Philippines and China have agreed on the need to keep diplomatic channels open and manage their differences amid persistent tensions in the South China Sea, following high-level talks between their foreign ministers on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the direction of bilateral relations in a telephone conversation, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect despite unresolved maritime disputes.
“I had a telephone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon and had a frank and constructive discussion on the direction of Philippines-China relations,” Lazaro said in a post on X.
“Both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect,” she added.
The exchange comes amid continuing friction between Manila and Beijing over competing territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea, where their disagreements have repeatedly strained bilateral relations.
The conversation signaled both governments’ willingness to maintain diplomatic engagement despite their differences, although neither side announced any breakthrough in resolving the maritime dispute.
Lazaro did not disclose whether the two officials discussed specific incidents in disputed waters or agreed on concrete measures to ease tensions.
No formal agreements or specific outcomes from the telephone conversation were announced./PN
