MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang clarified that ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve bilateral relations with China will not hinder Philippine officials from protecting the country’s sovereign rights and maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea.
The statement was issued by Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 4.
Castro addressed questions regarding a phone call held on Tuesday, November 3, between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where both top diplomats discussed ways to stabilize ties and handle differences responsibly.
While noting that the Palace had yet to receive official confirmation of the reported arrangement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at the time, Castro welcomed the prospect.
“Kung ito man ay naganap o hindi, pero kung iyan man ay naganap, maganda pong balita po iyan,” Castro said.
When asked whether the diplomatic engagement would halt critical exchanges between Manila and Beijing, Castro stressed that sovereignty and bilateral discussions are two separate matters.
“Ibang usapin po ang patungkol sa ating karapatan sa teritoryo at interes sa West Philippine Sea,” she explained.
“Mas maganda po na lahat ng pakikipag-usap sa anumang bansa ay dapat nadadaan sa diplomasya pero hindi natin mapipigilan ang iba natin mga liderato na ang mandato ay ipagtanggol ang ating karapatan at ang interes natin sa West Philippine Sea,” she added.
The high-level conversation followed Secretary Lazaro’s public confirmation of her dialogue with Wang, which she characterized as a candid and productive exchange regarding the future trajectory of Philippines-China relations.
“I had a telephone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon and had a frank and constructive discussion on the direction of Philippines-China relations,” Lazaro stated.
“Both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect,” she added.
According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, Beijing and Manila agreed to stabilize the situation and expand areas of common interest. However, Wang also urged the Philippines to exercise caution on maritime matters and adhere to the one-China policy, while criticizing what he termed politically motivated attacks against Beijing by certain Philippine politicians.
Tensions have persisted amid overlapping maritime claims and frequent encounters between vessels in the South China Sea.
Despite these friction points, the Marcos administration maintains that it will continue pursuing diplomatic solutions under international law while firmly upholding the nation’s maritime entitlements.