By Anadolu staff
ISTANBUL (AA) - China and the Philippines resumed formal political dialogue Thursday after more than a year, signaling a cautious diplomatic engagement despite tensions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
A statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila said the talks took place in Cebu, where Hou Yanqi, director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry, met senior Philippine officials on the sidelines of regional meetings.
The Philippines was represented by Leo M. Herrera-Lim, undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Marshall Louis M. Alferez, assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs.
"The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on maritime affairs and other issues of mutual interest and agreed to continue to maintain communication through diplomatic channels," it wrote on US social media platform X.
The meeting marked the first resumption of talks between Beijing and Manila following strained relations about maritime incidents and competing claims in the South China Sea.
Relations between China and the Philippines have been under strain amid repeated confrontations between coast guard vessels in contested areas, drawing regional and international concern.
The resumption of talks comes as ASEAN foreign ministers concluded a two-day meeting in the Philippines, focused on regional security and stability, with several member states emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, international law and dialogue in resolving disputes.
Separately, China accused a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson on Thursday of spreading “irresponsible and baseless” remarks, saying they violate China’s national interests and dignity.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing that China has lodged serious protests with Manila and warned that continued provocations by certain Philippine military figures risk further damaging ties and disrupting diplomatic communication.
"China firmly opposes it and will not tolerate it," said the spokesperson. "We also call on these individuals to stop making provocations and trouble at once, stop attacking and smearing China, and stop collaborating with anti-China forces outside the region. Otherwise, they will bear the consequence for their despicable moves."
There was no immediate reaction from Manila about the remarks.
China and the Philippines have faced tensions in recent years about competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.