DFA’s Manalo meets with Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (left) receives Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) at the DFA headquarters in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Image from DFA-OPCD / Philip Adrian Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to the Philippines.

Manalo received Wang, also the Chinese State Councilor, at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) headquarters in Pasay City.

Wang is the first foreign minister to be welcomed by Manalo since the latter was sworn into office on July 1.

The two diplomats engaged in a bilateral meeting which covered a variety of issues concerning Manila and Beijing’s relations.

China’s top diplomat is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who earlier said he seeks to boost ties between the Philippines and China.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, earlier expressed hopes that Wang’s Manila visit will “kickstart China-Philippines relations in the new era.”

EDV