Philippines and China Resume Political Dialogue in Cebu City

The Philippines and China resumed bilateral political dialogue on January 29, 2026, ending a hiatus of more than one year. The meeting took place in Cebu City on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Officials’ Meeting concerning the implementation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim met with Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. The officials engaged in a candid exchange regarding maritime-related matters, bilateral relations, and regional issues. Both delegations emphasized the necessity of sustained diplomatic dialogue and cooperation across all sectors.

This diplomatic outreach follows a period of heightened tension in the West Philippine Sea, characterized by public verbal disputes and calls from the Philippine Senate and Congress to declare Chinese envoys persona non grata. However, the talks were preceded by a rare instance of cooperation in late January, when the China Coast Guard rescued Filipino seafarers near Scarborough Shoal.

The Chinese Embassy stated that Beijing is currently facilitating potential cooperation in the digital economy, agriculture, and clean energy. Additionally, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan noted that both nations are working on a roadmap for future negotiations and dialogue.