(AseanAll) — The Philippines and China convened back-to-back the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 11th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea on 27-28 March 2026 in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China. The Philippine delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, according to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
At the FMC, both sides held a candid and productive exchange on bilateral concerns, including strategic, political-security and law enforcement issues. The Philippine side reaffirmed its commitment to handle bilateral issues in line with the Philippine national interest, while advancing mutually beneficial cooperation especially in the economic and people-to-people areas.
Recognizing current global uncertainties, especially developments in the Middle East, both sides discussed the importance of stable access to energy and fertilizers, as well as potential cooperation in green and renewable energy, trade, and agriculture, with the reconvening of appropriate bilateral mechanisms identified as a necessary step. People-to-people exchanges and tourism were also highlighted, such as through visa-free arrangements, enhanced connectivity, and prospective new direct air routes between the two countries.
The Philippines underscored that it will continue to play a responsible and professional role as ASEAN Chair in managing regional discussions, upholding ASEAN centrality, and reinforcing a rules-based order that contributes to regional peace and stability.
At the BCM, both sides had frank and thorough exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea. The Philippine side firmly reiterated its principled positions and raised concerns over incidents affecting the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen, including actions that have disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea. The Philippines emphasized the need for diplomacy and communication for managing differences at sea, and upholding international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Both sides continued to make progress on practical measures that are consistent with Philippine law and policy to increase confidence in the maritime domain, including coast guard to coast guard communication, ocean meteorology, and initial exchanges on potential oil and gas cooperation. In particular, the Philippines welcomed China’s hosting of a symposium on marine science and technology, specifically on ocean meteorology, in Qingdao in September 2026. Representatives from the DOST - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) joined the Philippine delegation.
The two meetings built on the step-by-step process of dialogue that were begun in Cebu and then in Beijing earlier this year. The meetings will also pave the way for the meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers within the year.
The FMC was last held in Manila in March 2023, while the last BCM meeting took place in Xiamen in January 2025. Both engagements are in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China in line with Philippine national interest, while protecting the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
