PH Raises Ayungin Attack, Racist Video with China FM Wang Yi

The Philippines reiterated its strong protest over the actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) against Filipino Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal and a racist video by China Daily depicting Filipinos as monkeys during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reiterated the Philippines’ strong protest over the violent actions committed by CCG personnel against Filipino navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal on July 20, 2026, according to the DFA. In the incident, CCG members hit Filipino soldiers with batons, resulting in a bloody head injury for one Navy man. China has accused the Philippines of "distorting facts" and denied striking first. Lazaro also raised concerns over actions that violated the Philippines’ maritime rights and endangered Filipino military personnel and fishermen. She likewise reiterated the country’s call for the removal of the remaining structures in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). Furthermore, Lazaro strongly objected to a China Daily video released on July 10 that depicted Filipinos as monkeys, stating that disagreements over legal and political issues do not justify the use of offensive and disturbing portrayals. She emphasized that the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in the video is deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable. The Philippines urged China to exercise restraint, avoid actions that could further increase tensions, and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. During the meeting, Lazaro and Wang discussed the overall state of Philippines-China relations, including political and security matters, maritime and law enforcement issues, trade and investment, agriculture, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides emphasized the importance of keeping communication channels open, improving mutual understanding, strengthening confidence-building measures, and reducing the risk of miscalculation. They also discussed the progress of negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and expressed their continued willingness to conclude the talks within the year. Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region while sustaining dialogue on issues of mutual concern. Source: GMA News Philippines