Malacañang clarified that diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China remain stable despite a recent war of words between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Chinese Embassy.
During a press briefing on Monday, June 29, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro minimized the impact of the tense exchanges, asserting that the heated remarks from officials do not signify a deeper conflict between the two nations.
”Sa atin po, sa parte po ng Pilipinas, itinuturing pa rin pong maganda ang relasyon ng ating bansa sa bansang China,” Castro stated.
”So, hindi naman po nagkakaroon ng anumang rift o sigalot dahil lang sa mga mensahe ng ating Defense Secretary,” Castro added.
The friction intensified after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called out Beijing for its “insincerity and duplicity” following the Chinese Embassy’s rejection of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea. In response, the Chinese Embassy issued a lengthy statement accusing Teodoro of malice, labeling his comments as irresponsible “pure political theatrics.”
Despite the verbal clash, Castro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm on defending national sovereignty through peaceful dialogue.
”Ulitin po natin, ang Pangulo po ang direktiba po patungkol po sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang bansa lalung-lalo na po patungkol sa West Philippine Sea dapat ay daanin sa diplomatikong pamamaraan,” Castro said.
”We could protect our rights; we could fight for our interest in a diplomatic manner – iyan naman po ang nais ng Pangulo,” Castro added.
The Palace official also reassured that the Philippines maintains a non-aggressive stance, explaining that Teodoro was merely fulfilling his official duties, much like his foreign counterparts.
”Wala naman po tayong probokasyon, wala naman po tayong agresyon at wala naman din pong pananakot na ginagawa ang Pilipinas kahit kanino mang teritoryo,” Castro said.
”Ang bansang China ay tumutupad sa kanilang batas at sa kanilang polisiya, ganoon din po ang Pilipinas. At si Secretary Gibo ay tumutupad lang din sa kanyang mandato, kagaya rin po ng mga opisyales ng bansang China,” Castro added.