Wang Yi: A handful of Philippine politicians have repeatedly attacked and smeared China

During a phone call with Philippine Foreign Secretary Lazaro, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that a handful of Philippine politicians, driven by political bias and personal interests, have repeatedly attacked and smeared China, and said the Philippines should tighten constraints on relevant individuals.

According to CCTV News, Wang Yi took the call with Lazaro on Tuesday (November 3) at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said that China-Philippines relations are currently facing malicious disruption, and that a handful of Philippine politicians, out of political bias and personal gain, have repeatedly attacked and smeared China, crossed China's red lines, politicized normal economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges, and infringed on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese personnel and institutions in the Philippines.

Wang Yi pointed out that such misconduct is irrational, intolerable and damaging to the Philippines' international image.

Wang Yi further said that the Philippines should tighten constraints on relevant individuals and speak with a rational and unified voice on China policy.

China's will to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national reunification is unwavering.

The Philippines should implement the one-China policy in real terms and act and speak prudently on maritime issues.

According to the report, the two sides reached a three-point basic consensus on improving and developing China-Philippines relations: first, a healthy and stable China-Philippines relationship serves the interests of both sides and meets regional expectations, and the two sides agreed to maintain diplomatic dialogue on this; second, efforts should be made to eliminate various internal and external interfering factors and oppose any act of malicious provocation that undermines bilateral diplomatic efforts; third, the two sides should responsibly manage differences, stabilize the situation and seek to expand common bilateral interests.

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