(Manila, 20th) The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated that while strengthening cooperation with 'like-minded' countries that support its position in the South China Sea, it still maintains open communication with China.
Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva said at a press conference on Friday: “While the Department of Foreign Affairs is deepening alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries, we are also maintaining open channels of communication with the Chinese side, in order to seek frank, constructive dialogue and pragmatic cooperation.”
The Department stated that despite recent unpleasant exchanges between government officials and the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the Philippines will continue to adhere to “effective and principled diplomacy” in advancing national interests.
Recently, the Philippines has held bilateral talks with both the United States and Canada regarding maritime issues. On the 16th, the Philippines and the U.S. held a Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila, after which a joint statement condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea as illegal and “coercive, aggressive, and deceptive,” while also committing to deploying more advanced U.S. missiles in the Philippines.
In recent years, the Philippines and China have had multiple maritime confrontations over sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it will continue to safeguard national interests through diplomatic and alliance channels.
The Department stated that despite recent unpleasant exchanges between government officials and the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the Philippines will continue to adhere to “effective and principled diplomacy” in advancing national interests.
Recently, the Philippines has held bilateral talks with both the United States and Canada regarding maritime issues. On the 16th, the Philippines and the U.S. held a Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila, after which a joint statement condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea as illegal and “coercive, aggressive, and deceptive,” while also committing to deploying more advanced U.S. missiles in the Philippines.
In recent years, the Philippines and China have had multiple maritime confrontations over sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it will continue to safeguard national interests through diplomatic and alliance channels.