Marilyn Cahatol

A photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Chinese Coast Guard maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal and Sabina Shoal, both within the PH’s exclusive economic zone during a PCG Maritime Domain Awareness flight on February 21, 2023. Courtesy NTF West Philippine Sea

Article (news)

Jervis Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178463670914020230222-spratly-chinese-coast-guard-HO-5.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="A photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Chinese Coast Guard maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal and Sabina Shoal, both within the PH’s exclusive economic zone during a PCG Maritime Domain Awareness flight on February 21, 2023. Courtesy NTF West Philippine Sea "/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">A photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Chinese Coast Guard maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal and Sabina Shoal, both within the PH’s exclusive economic zone during a PCG Maritime Domain Awareness flight on February 21, 2023. <em>Courtesy NTF West Philippine Sea </em></span></span></span></div><p>PARAÑAQUE CITY— The recent Ayungin Shoal incident involving China and the development of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea were brought up during the retreat of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on Tuesday, July 21. </p><p>In a press engagement after the Tuesday meetings, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro confirmed that several ministers spoke on maritime issues.</p><p>&quot;There were statements of course on the South China Sea by me and other various ministers but I think what was really very emphatic about is the Code of Conduct,&quot; Lazaro said.</p><p>The Code of Conduct has been a longstanding issue in the ASEAN, as Chinese aggressions continue in the maritime zone.</p><p>&quot;I think all the ministers, almost all, really focused themselves on the development that is happening on the Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China,&quot; she added.</p><p>Lazaro also confirmed she talked about the recent Ayungin Shoal incident, which <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/ph-navy-officer-sustains-head-injury-after-confrontation-with-china-coast-guard-1605">injured two Filipino personnel,</a> during the Foreign Ministers&#x27; retreat.</p><p>&quot;Everybody has read it, it&#x27;s all on the newspapers. The Foreign Ministers did not respond on the position that I made because I think everything is still being discussed between the two parties,&quot; Lazaro said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/21/marcos-condemns-attack-on-navy-in-ayungin-shoal-but-maintains-diplomatic-stance-1348">Marcos condemns attack on Navy in Ayungin Shoal, but maintains diplomatic stance</a></div><p>The United States and China traded barbs over the incident, with the former condemning the latest act of aggression.</p><p>The Foreign Affairs chief was asked if there is a possibility of hostility overshadowing the agenda of the meetings, as both US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are attending.</p><p>&quot;I cannot predict anything right now, if ever I respond that would be speculative. Let these foreign ministers continue with these meetings. I think there is also a possible discussion with both Secretary Rubio and Wang Yi but it&#x27;s highly speculative right now,&quot; Lazaro said.</p><p>Lazaro will hold bilateral meetings with the two countries as well as with other dialogue partners on Wednesday.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/21/defense-chief-china-provocation-at-ayungin-part-of-a-script-1138">&#x27;Not random&#x27;: Defense chief says latest China &#x27;provocation&#x27; vs PH at Ayungin part of &#x27;script&#x27;</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jc1DtH6KyI4?si=N7471US0wpKcLgIw" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The recent Ayungin Shoal incident involving China and the development of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea were brought up during the retreat of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on Tuesday, July 21.</p>

The recent Ayungin Shoal incident involving China and the development of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea were brought up during the retreat of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Ayungin Shoal incident brought up in ASEAN meeting

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Ayungin Shoal incident brought up in ASEAN meeting

Jervis Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 21, 2026 08:30 PM PHT

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South China Sea

Ayungin Shoal

DFA

Theresa Lazaro

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