BEIJING — The Philippines and China continued high-level diplomatic engagements this week, holding what Manila described as an “open and candid exchange of views” on prevailing bilateral concerns even as tensions persist in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a short press release issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) dated February 28, Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Marshall Louis Alferez met with Chinese counterparts Asian Affairs Director-General Liu Jinsong and Boundary and Ocean Affairs Director-General Hou Yanqi in Beijing from February 27 to 28.
“Both sides had an open and candid exchange of views on prevailing bilateral concerns, and explored ways to advance mutually-beneficial cooperation,” the DFA said.
Alferez also paid a courtesy call on Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to discuss the overall state of bilateral relations. The Beijing meetings followed initial talks held in Cebu on January 29, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite mounting friction.
Maritime flashpoints persist
The talks come against the backdrop of fragile and tense relations entering early 2026.
Incidents around Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, and Thitu Island have continued through 2024 and 2025, including ramming and water cannon episodes that injured Filipino personnel and damaged vessels.
As recently as February, reports described another collision near the Spratlys, underscoring the high-risk close encounters between Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels and Philippine boats.
Manila has repeatedly protested what it calls “dangerous” and “aggressive” maneuvers, while stepping up joint patrols and exercises with partners such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance in defending maritime rights, publicizing incidents at sea and deepening defense ties with allies — moves Beijing has criticized as exacerbating tensions.
Economic pressure adds new layer
Beyond maritime friction, the relationship has also been strained economically.
In mid-February, the DFA publicly rebuked the Chinese embassy after it warned that continued “affronts” to bilateral ties could result in trade and investment consequences, including possible job losses for Filipinos. Philippine officials characterized the remarks as “coercive” and summoned the Chinese ambassador.
Beijing, for its part, has criticized what it calls “anti-China” rhetoric and resolutions by Philippine politicians, reflecting its sensitivity to domestic debates in Manila.
Despite strategic distrust and frequent tactical clashes at sea, both sides have agreed in principle to create a “roadmap” for managing South China Sea incidents and preventing escalation, according to earlier statements in January.
Chinese officials have also pointed to what they describe as “new progress” in cooperation on visas, law enforcement, people-to-people exchanges, and infrastructure. Embassy briefings have emphasized a “words for words, actions for actions” approach and called for more direct communication channels between coast guards.
The latest Beijing talks suggest that even as maritime encounters continue, diplomatic channels remain active.
Both Manila and Beijing have expressed support for accelerating negotiations between ASEAN and China on a South China Sea Code of Conduct, with an aspirational target of concluding talks around 2026.
As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year, the Marcos administration faces the delicate task of balancing de-escalation efforts with China while sustaining its strategy of strengthening defense and security partnerships with like-minded states.