China has urged the Philippines to exercise caution in its handling of the South China Sea dispute, following a phone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Philippine counterpart, Theresa Lazaro.
During the call on Tuesday, Wang reportedly warned against what Beijing described as interference by some Philippine politicians in relations between the two countries.
He also called on Manila to restrain individuals making critical remarks about China and maintain a unified position on its policy towards Beijing, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wang further urged the Philippines to be “cautious in their words and deeds” regarding the South China Sea dispute.
Lazaro, meanwhile, described the conversation as “frank and constructive”, saying both countries recognised the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and managing their differences through mutual respect.
In a post on X, she said the two sides emphasised the need for continued dialogue and the proper management of disagreements.
South China Sea Dispute Fuels Diplomatic Tensions
China and the Philippines have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, a strategically important waterway that serves as a major international shipping route.
Their disagreements have resulted in repeated confrontations involving coast guard vessels, naval ships and sailors in disputed waters.
Tensions have also intensified through public exchanges between officials from both countries in recent weeks.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro previously described China as a “troublemaker” in the region.
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China’s ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, rejected the remarks and said Beijing could easily win if it chose to use force, although he added that China preferred peace.
The ambassador’s comments drew criticism from Philippine officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who said the statement sounded like a threat.
Despite the diplomatic disagreements, both governments have indicated that they intend to maintain communication.
China and Philippines Discuss Possible Oil Exploration
The two foreign ministers also reportedly discussed the possibility of restarting negotiations on a proposed joint oil and gas exploration project in Reed Bank.
A Philippine official familiar with the discussion told the Associated Press that the issue was raised during the phone call but spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.
Reed Bank is claimed by both China and the Philippines but lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a coastal state has sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources within its exclusive economic zone.
However, efforts by the Philippines to develop oil and gas resources in Reed Bank have faced obstacles because of China’s competing claims and opposition.
The possibility of resuming joint exploration talks could provide an avenue for the two countries to discuss cooperation despite their wider maritime disagreements.
Other Countries Also Have Claims in the South China Sea
The South China Sea dispute involves several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and China, while Taiwan also maintains claims in the region.
The overlapping claims have made the waterway a major source of regional tension, with disputes involving territorial sovereignty, fishing rights, maritime security and access to natural resources.
The latest conversation between Wang and Lazaro comes amid renewed diplomatic exchanges, although both sides have reiterated the importance of dialogue in managing their differences.