China urges Philippines to exercise restraint in South China Sea dispute

Both diplomats emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic dialog and managing differences with mutual respect, Lazaro stated on X.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Wang Yi expressed concern over “malicious interference” by certain Filipino politicians and urged the Philippines to maintain a unified and reasonable policy stance toward China. He also advised the Philippines to be “cautious in their words and deeds” regarding the South China Sea.

The call follows a period of heightened tensions, including recent remarks from Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who characterized China as a “troublemaker.” China’s ambassador to the Philippines responded, stating that while China could easily prevail through force, it prefers peace. This prompted a strong reaction from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who interpreted the remarks as a threat.

Despite the tensions, both Wang Yi and Lazaro affirmed their commitment to continued communication, according to the Chinese statement.

The two officials also discussed the potential resumption of negotiations for joint oil and gas exploration in the Reed Bank, an area claimed by both China and the Philippines, but located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. This zone extends 200 nautical miles from a country’s coastline, granting exclusive resource exploration rights under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Beijing’s opposition has previously stalled Philippine exploration efforts in the area.

Other nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, are also involved in territorial disputes within the South China Sea, a vital global trade route.