Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma.Theresa Lazaro raised the Philippines' protest over the recent Ayungin Shoal incident during her bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.

The DFA confirmed that Lazaro reiterated the country's strong condemnation of China Coast Guard personnel's violent actions against Filipino navy officers on July 20, 2026, including striking a serviceman with a wooden club and damaging a military rubber boat.

The meeting also addressed concerns over China's presence in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, where buoys and communication equipment remain, as well as the controversial China Daily video depicting Filipinos as monkeys.Both sides emphasized diplomatic engagement, urging restraint and peaceful resolution of disputes under international law.

The discussion extended to broader Philippines-China relations, including trade, security, and regional cooperation, with both nations expressing willingness to finalize negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by year-end.