China and Philippines Pledge Dialogue Amid Strained Relations

Foreign Ministers Wang Yi of China and Ma. Theresa Lazaro of the Philippines held a phone call on November 3, 2026, to pledge continued dialogue and communication. The discussion occurred against a backdrop of strained bilateral relations driven by disputed territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.

The two officials reached an agreement to ensure their respective leaders receive proper diplomatic courtesies during the upcoming ASEAN summit in Manila and APEC meetings in Shenzhen. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to attend the ASEAN meetings in Manila, where the Philippines is currently serving as the organization's chair.

While the Philippine foreign ministry described the talks as "frank, pragmatic and constructive," the two sides expressed differing views on the state of their relationship. Wang Yi claimed that relations between the two countries face "malicious interference" and accused certain Philippine politicians of "irrational and intolerable" conduct that crossed China's red lines.