The Philippines on Wednesday urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to adopt a more constructive approach in its public statements, as tensions escalated in an ongoing war of words between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials.
Rogelio Villanueva, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ newly appointed spokesperson for maritime affairs, said diplomatic exchanges should remain calm and professional despite sharp disagreements.
“The DFA values candid and vigorous debate with its foreign counterparts on important issues consistent with the Philippines’ democratic tradition,” Villanueva said in a statement.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Senate Resolution Deepens Row
The diplomatic friction intensified after the Philippine Senate approved a resolution on Monday condemning remarks made by the Chinese Embassy. The resolution criticised Beijing’s diplomats for rebuking Philippine officials who have defended the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
In response, the Chinese Embassy rejected the Senate’s move, describing it as a “political stunt”.
The exchange underscores the increasingly strained rhetoric between the two sides, even as both governments continue to engage through diplomatic channels.
Broader Maritime Dispute
The Philippines and China have faced repeated maritime confrontations in recent years. Manila has accused Beijing of aggressive conduct within its exclusive economic zone, including dangerous manoeuvres by coast guard vessels, the use of water cannons, and interference with Philippine resupply missions.
China, for its part, has maintained that Philippine vessels have intruded into waters it claims as its own territory.
Amid the rising tensions, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Tuesday called for efforts to “cool” relations, saying ties between the two countries should not be defined solely by their maritime dispute.
The latest exchange highlights the fragile state of relations between Manila and Beijing as disputes in the South China Sea continue to test diplomatic and regional stability.
(With inputs from Reuters)
