Beijing:China and the Philippines have agreed to responsibly manage their differences and stabilize the situation between the two countries. This agreement was reached during a call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, as reported by Chinese media.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Wang Yi emphasized China's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as achieving national reunification. He urged the Philippines to adhere to the one-China policy and exercise caution in maritime issues. Wang criticized certain Philippine politicians for being politically prejudiced and irrational in their criticism of China.

Lazaro, on the other hand, highlighted on US social media platform X that the discussion between the two ministers was frank and constructive, focusing on the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and proper management of differences based on mutual respect.

The call was prompted by Manila summoning Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over remarks perceived as a threat to use force. Jing denied this interpretation, stating he did not mean to convey a threat, and instead lodged his own protest. Jing's comments were in response to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr's labeling of China as a 'troublemaker' in the region, to which Jing responded that China prefers peace over force.

The backdrop of these diplomatic exchanges includes Beijing's imposition of sanctions on Teodoro in July, accusing him of making remarks detrimental to China's interests. This development follows repeated maritime confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the contested waters of the South China Sea.