The Philippine foreign ministry on Wednesday (11 February) called on the Chinese Embassy in Manila to adopt a “constructive” tone in its statements, amid an intensifying war of words between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials, including senators.
Rogelio Villanueva, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ newly appointed maritime affairs spokesperson, said responses to diplomatic disputes should be delivered in a “calm” and “professional” manner.
“The DFA values candid and vigorous debate with its foreign counterparts on important issues consistent with the Philippines’ democratic tradition,” he added.
The Philippine Senate approved a resolution on Monday condemning remarks by the Chinese Embassy. The embassy had criticised Philippine officials for defending the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. In response, the embassy rejected the resolution, calling it a “political stunt.” The appeal follows this exchange.
On Tuesday, Philippines' Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez stressed the need to “cool” tensions between the two countries, emphasising that bilateral relations should not be defined solely by the maritime dispute.
The Philippines and China have been involved in repeated maritime confrontations in recent years.
Philippine authorities accuse China of aggressive actions inside the country’s exclusive economic zones, including dangerous manoeuvres, water-cannoning and interference in resupply missions. China, in turn, claims the Philippines has intruded into its claimed territory.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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