In lead-up to Philippine election, Beijing warns Manila to avoid ‘disturbances’ upsetting its China policy

During meeting of foreign ministers, China’s Wang Yi says it is crucial their relations are not damaged for the sake of stability in the South China Sea

Presidents Xi and Duterte are set to speak this week as Philippines takes part in its biggest joint military exercise with US troops in seven years

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Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin in Tunxi, east China’s Anhui Province, on April 3, 2022. A question mark hangs over the future of the relationship once Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte steps down. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 8:30pm, 4 Apr 2022

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Manila to steer clear of external “disturbances” to its China policy and prevent tension arising from their South China Sea dispute damaging bilateral ties in the run-up to the Philippine presidential election next month.

During a meeting with his Philippine counterpart Teodoro Locsin in the eastern Chinese province of Anhui on Sunday, Wang also pledged “continuity and stability” in China’s “good-neighbourly and friendly policy” towards Manila.

Wang’s remarks came as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would talk virtually with his “friend” Chinese President Xi Jinping this week while the Philippines takes part in its biggest joint military exercise with American troops in seven years.

Observers have warned there will be challenges and uncertainties for bilateral ties in the coming months, which some said had a “grim prospect” amid the hardening of views about China in the Philippines ahead of its election.

“China always takes the Philippines as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy … The two sides should remove disturbances, calmly and properly manage differences and not let them affect the overall situation of China-Philippines relations,” Wang told Locsin, according to a Chinese readout on the foreign ministry website.

The maritime dispute should be put “in a proper place” within bilateral relations, he was quoted as saying, echoing China’s stance on territorial disputes with other countries, including India.

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