Wang Yi says China-Philippines relations face malicious interference

China-Philippines relations are facing malicious interference at present, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday, urging the Philippine side to faithfully implement its one-China policy and exercise prudence in its words and actions on maritime issues.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during phone talks with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro at the latter's request.

Wang said that a few Philippine politicians, out of political prejudice and self-interest, have repeatedly attacked and smeared China, crossed China's red lines, politicized normal economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges, and infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese personnel and institutions in the Philippines. 

Such deeds are irrational and intolerable, and also damage the Philippines' international image, he stressed.

China's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national reunification remains unwavering, Wang said. He urged the Philippine side to exercise greater restraint over its personnel concerned and send a rational and unified message on its China policy.

Lazaro said the Philippines attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to develop stable and predictable bilateral relations. 

She said the Philippines remains committed to the one-China policy, a position that will not change, and is willing to properly handle maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation.

During the talk, the two sides agreed that healthy and stable bilateral relations serve the interests of both sides and meet regional expectations, and agreed to maintain diplomatic dialogue to that end.

They also agreed to work to remove various internal and external disruptions, oppose any malicious provocations that undermine diplomatic efforts, responsibly manage their differences, stabilize the situation and seek to expand their shared interests.

The two sides also exchanged views on the upcoming East Asia cooperation leaders' meetings in the Philippines and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in Shenzhen, China.