In a significant diplomatic move, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro is steering a pragmatic recalibration of Manila’s relationship with Beijing through the reinstatement of the eVisa system for Chinese tourists, aiming to bolster tourism recovery while navigating complex geopolitical pressures.
The policy shift comes as the Philippines attempts to reverse its position as the second-worst tourism performer in ASEAN, seeking to recapture a market that brought 1.74 million visitors and $2.3 billion in spending pre-pandemic .
A Diplomat’s Delicate Balancing Act
Secretary Lazaro, a veteran career diplomat who assumed office on July 1, 2025, brings decades of foreign service experience to her role as the country’s top diplomat. She previously served as Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, where she already played a pivotal role in managing Philippines-China relations .
Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for Philippine foreign policy, as the country prepares to assume ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 . Lazaro has emphasized the Philippines’ “commitment to the rule of law because it’s the only thing we can rely on,” signaling her approach to navigating international disputes through diplomatic channels .
The eVisa initiative, announced by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing on October 15, represents one of the first major bilateral advancements under Lazaro’s leadership. The system is set to launch in November following Joint Consular Consultations between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July 2025 .
Bridging the Tourism Gap
The reinstatement of the eVisa system addresses what tourism officials have described as a significant barrier to recovery. The Philippines has lagged dramatically behind regional neighbors in attracting visitors, with only 5.9 million tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to Malaysia’s 25 million and Vietnam’s 17.5 million .
Table: ASEAN Tourism Performance (2024 Data)
| Country | Tourist Arrivals | Regional Ranking |
| Thailand | 25.5 million | 1 |
| Malaysia | 25 million | 2 |
| Vietnam | 17.5 million | 3 |
| Singapore | 16.5 million | 4 |
| Indonesia | 13.6 million | 5 |
| Cambodia | 6.7 million | 6 |
| Philippines | 5.9 million | 7 |
| Myanmar | 1.06 million | 8 |
Source: Pinoy Exposé “Pressing Matters” column
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the eVisa restoration, noting that “the suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 had a significant and measurable impact on our ability to meet tourism targets, particularly from one of our strongest pre-pandemic markets” .
Political Opposition and Security Concerns
The policy has faced immediate pushback from certain political quarters. Congressman Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro voiced strong opposition, stating, “I am strongly opposed to this plan of our ambassador, Jaime FlorCruz. The President should tell Mr. FlorCruz to scrap it… Chinese nationals in our country endangers… our national security”.
The column from Pinoy Exposé dismissed these concerns as “scaremongering,” noting that “despite all the ‘Chinese spy networks’ scaremongering no case has ever been proven; all were staged-managed for the media”.
The article also highlighted China’s cooperation in addressing criminal elements, stating that “Chinese syndicates preying on fellow Chinese nationals have been busted and the Chinese embassy has been very cooperative in repatriating them for prosecution”.
Beyond Tourism: Comprehensive Diplomatic Engagement
The eVisa program represents just one facet of Lazaro’s broader approach to managing the complex Philippines-China relationship. Beyond tourism facilitation, both countries are exploring a coastguard cooperation pact aimed at managing recurring flashpoints in the disputed South China Sea .
As Foreign Secretary, Lazaro continues work she began as Undersecretary, where she led the Philippine delegation during Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meetings on the South China Sea. Under her guidance, the Philippines and China previously reached a “provisional understanding” on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), a persistent flashpoint for tensions.
Simultaneously, Lazaro has emphasized the importance of advancing a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea, particularly as the Philippines prepares to assume ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. She has stated that “it is our view that it should be legally binding,” reflecting the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order.
Economic Imperatives and Regional Context
The diplomatic outreach occurs alongside substantial economic relations between the two nations. China remains the Philippines’ top trading partner with nearly $45 billion in bilateral trade, creating significant economic incentive for stable relations.
The Philippines’ tourism recovery also must be understood within broader regional patterns. According to recent data, China remains the “top source of tourism in ASEAN”, making Chinese visitors crucial for regional tourism economies.
The Path Forward
As Secretary Lazaro navigates these complex diplomatic waters, she must balance economic pragmatism with national security concerns, all while managing relationships with both China and the United States. Her approach appears centered on practical diplomacy that prioritizes Philippine interests while reducing regional tensions.
The coming months will test whether this balanced approach can successfully revitalize Philippine tourism while advancing the country’s strategic interests in the region. With the ASEAN chairmanship on the horizon, Lazaro’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping not only Philippines-China relations but also regional dynamics more broadly.#
