Top Chinese and Filipino diplomats met in Manila on Wednesday, marking the first ministerial meeting between the two countries in two years, according to reports. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers' gathering.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro. It was their first formal talks since Lazaro assumed office in July last year, according to reports. Some reports describe a two-year gap since the previous ministerial meeting, while others note the timeframe is from Lazaro's appointment.
Both sides highlighted the need for 'reducing the risk of miscalculation,' according to a report. The meeting came days after fresh tensions in the South China Sea involving the Chinese coastguard, though the nature of those tensions was not specified in one account.
Lazaro assumed office as Philippine foreign minister in July last year.
