CONSULTATION. DFA Assistant Secretary Ma. Antonina Mendoza-Oblena (front, rightmost) and MFA Director General Long Zhou (front, center) with members of the Philippine and Chinese delegations during the Joint Consular Consultation in Beijing on July 22, 2025. Both countries tackled issues concerning the “safety, rights, and welfare” of their respective nationals. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing) Photo Credit: PNA/Being
Xpat Pinoy | The Philippines and China resumed formal discussions on the safety and welfare of their citizens abroad during a high-level joint consular meeting in Beijing on July 22, 2025. This marks the first session since 2019 and signals renewed commitment from both nations to address pressing consular issues.
What’s New?
Led by DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Long Zhou, the session brought together key officials from both sides to tackle concerns affecting Filipino and Chinese nationals. Among the core issues discussed were law enforcement cooperation, tourism, and addressing crimes such as illegal gambling. Mendoza-Oblena emphasized the importance of collaboration despite political challenges, stating, “Our relations have faced challenges, but we continue to cooperate in protecting our nationals and persist in aspiring for more people-to-people exchanges.” The DFA also confirmed this was the first Joint Consular Consultation (JCC) meeting since July 24, 2019, reflecting a long-overdue revival of the bilateral mechanism.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The JCC highlighted both countries’ shared goal of improving how consular cases are handled, especially in light of transnational crimes and scams. One key development is the improved cooperation on cracking down illegal gambling operations, a priority for Manila since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in 2024. Both sides also discussed improving information-sharing systems between their law enforcement bodies. However, the DFA has not confirmed if the case of the three detained Filipinos in China was addressed during the session. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro previously described the matter as a sensitive consular issue and assured that the Philippine government is providing full support to those involved.
Looking Ahead
Initially designed to be held annually, the JCC aims to build mutual trust and foster closer people-to-people ties between Filipinos and Chinese. With diplomatic relations tested in recent years, this year’s resumption marks a potentially stabilizing step in strengthening cooperation through diplomacy.
Source: PNA
