On November 3, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Ma. Theresa Lazaro upon request.

Wang Yi noted that China-Philippines relations are currently facing malicious disruptions. A handful of Philippine politicians, driven by political bias and selfish gains, have repeatedly attacked and smeared China, crossed China’s red lines, politicized normal economic, trade, people‑to‑people and cultural exchanges, and infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals and institutions in the Philippines. Such egregious acts are irrational, intolerable, and have also damaged the Philippines’ international image. The Philippines should strengthen restraint over the relevant individuals and send a rational and unified voice on its policy toward China. China is firmly resolved to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve its national reunification. The Philippines should effectively implement the one-China policy and be prudent in words and actions on maritime issues.

Ma. Theresa Lazaro said that the Philippines attaches high importance to its relations with China and hopes to develop stable and predictable bilateral relations. As countries across the world currently face challenges in the economic and energy fields, Philippines-China communication is conducive to managing differences, improving bilateral relations and promoting regional peace and stability. The Philippines adheres to the one-China policy, and this position will remain unchanged. The Philippines is also ready to properly handle maritime affairs and other issues with China through dialogue and consultation. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, the Philippines appreciates and expects a greater role played by China in promoting the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve more outcomes.

The two sides reached basic consensus on improving and developing China-Philippines relations. First, sound and stable China-Philippines relations serve the interests of both sides and meet the expectations of the region. The two sides agreed to maintain diplomatic dialogue to this end. Second, the two sides should make efforts to remove all kinds of interference at home and abroad, and oppose any acts of malicious provocation and sabotage against the diplomatic efforts of both sides. Third, the two sides should responsibly manage differences and stabilize the situation, and seek to expand their shared interests.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Leaders’ Meetings on East Asia Cooperation to be held in the Philippines and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to be held afterwards in Shenzhen, China.