On July 8, 2011, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with visiting Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Yang expressed welcome for del Rosario's first official visit to China as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and made positive comments on the progress bilateral relations have made since the establishment of diplomatic ties 36 years ago. He said China and the Philippines are both developing nations in Asia and face the common tasks of developing economy and improving people’s livelihood. The two countries share broad common interests in a side range of areas. The fruitful results made in bilateral ties in recent years have brought tangible benefits to both peoples. China attaches great importance to developing ties with the Philippines and is ready to work with the country to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance pragmatic cooperation and push the friendly ties for sound, stable development.

Del Rosario spoke highly of China’s enormous achievements in economic and social development, saying developing relations with China is one of the Philippine government’s diplomatic priorities. The Philippines is ready to work with China to push forward bilateral relations of mutual benefit and mutual trust through high-level exchange of visits and cooperation in all areas.

Both sides exchanged views on the current situation in the South China Sea. Both sides emphasized they will jointly remain committed to safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea in the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties on the South China Sea signed by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.