On January 16, 2025, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong co-chaired the tenth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) with Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Maria Theresa P. Lazaro in Xiamen, Fujian.

(Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong shakes hands with Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Maria Theresa P. Lazaro in Xiamen, Fujian)

The two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea. The Chinese side lodged serious protests regarding the Philippines' recent maritime infringement and provocative activities as well as its peddling of the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines and urged the Philippine side to strictly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), stay committed to properly handling differences with the Chinese side through dialogue and consultation, jointly manage the maritime situation and bring bilateral relations back to the right track at an early date.

Both sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, believing that this serves the common interests of regional countries including China and the Philippines. The two sides agreed to strengthen sea-related dialogue, communication and contact, properly handle maritime disputes and differences, and continue to promote practical maritime cooperation in various fields such as coast guard, marine science and technology, and environmental protection.

The meeting was attended by representatives from competent authorities of diplomacy, national defense, natural resources, and coast guard of China and the Philippines.

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)