China and the Philippines Hold a New Round of Foreign Ministry Consultations

On March 28, 2026, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong co-chaired the 24th China-Philippines Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy and ASEAN SOM Leader of the Philippines Leo M. Herrera-Lim in Quanzhou, Fujian. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-Philippines relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

Sun Weidong stated that China and the Philippines are close neighbors that cannot be moved apart, and that neighborly friendship constitutes the mainstream of the history of bilateral relations. A stable and sound China-Philippines relationship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples. China values the Philippines' desire for stable relations and enhanced dialogue, and hopes that the Philippine side will work with China in the same direction, taking practical actions to create the necessary conditions and atmosphere for stabilizing and improving bilateral ties.

Leo M. Herrera-Lim stated that the Philippine side is willing to continuously advance the diplomatic dialogue process with China, enhance mutual understanding and trust, properly manage differences, and promote the stabilization and improvement of bilateral relations. The Philippine side reiterated that the spirit of the 1975 China-Philippines Joint Communique serves as the cornerstone of bilateral relations. The Philippines adheres to the one-China policy, regards the Taiwan question as China's internal affair, and does not recognize Taiwan as a "sovereign state".

Both sides spoke positively of the development of China-ASEAN relations, emphasized that the current situation is complex and ever-changing, and agreed to strengthen communication and coordination to promote positive progress in East Asian cooperation and jointly safeguard regional stability and development.