DESPITE Beijing’s denial that the AI-generated video depicting a Filipino as a ‘stupid monkey’ was government-sanctioned, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro raised the issue directly with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their bilateral meeting in Manila.
The meeting, held Wednesday noon on the sidelines of the Asean Ministerial Meetings at the Philippine International Convention Center, marked the first Foreign Minister-level engagement between Manila and Beijing in two years.
According to the DFA, Lazaro condemned the July 10 China Daily video as ‘deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable,’ stressing that disagreements over legal and political issues do not justify resorting to demeaning imagery.
She also reiterated Manila’s ‘strong protest’ over the July 20 violent actions of China Coast Guard personnel against Filipino navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal, raising concerns over infringements on Philippine maritime rights and the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen.
Lazaro pressed anew for the removal of remaining Chinese structures in another maritime feature in the West Philippine Sea-Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
The Secretary cited the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework for peaceful dispute resolution, urging restraint and avoidance of actions that heighten tensions.
China has yet to issue a statement on the Wang-Lazaro meeting, and the DFA did not disclose how Wang responded to Lazaro’s protests.
The DFA said both ministers highlighted progress in negotiations on the Asean-China Code of Conduct and affirmed their willingness to conclude talks this year.
‘The two sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and sustaining dialogue on matters of mutual concern,’ the DFA added.
The ministers also discussed broader bilateral relations, including political and security matters, maritime and law enforcement issues, regional and international developments, and cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
The DFA said the engagement was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with Beijing while remaining assertive in protecting Philippine national interests.