DFA Undersecretary Lazaro Holds Phone Conversation with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister

MANILA 21 February 2023 – Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro received a telephone call from Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on 17 February 2023.

Undersecretary Lazaro cited the successful state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to China earlier in the year. Undersecretary Lazaro and Vice Foreign Minister Sun affirmed that both sides should continue to implement the agreements reached by the leaders to enhance bilateral relations.

The Philippines reiterated its position to China on the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, including on the recent incidents. China conveyed its position on these issues and called for close communication through bilateral mechanisms.

Undersecretary Lazaro conveyed that the Philippines looks forward to hosting the 23rd Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 7th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea to discuss the issues at hand. END