Palace: PH, China must pursue healthy dialogues

The Philippines and China must pursue and maintain healthy dialogues amid ongoing territorial tensions, Malacañang Palace said on Monday.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro gave a measured response when asked about remarks from the Chinese Embassy warning that escalating political rhetoric against Ambassador Jing Quan, including calls for his replacement, could jeopardize millions of Filipino jobs.

“The escalation of tension between the Philippines and China should not come from one country alone. Friendly discussions and healthy dialogues must come from both the Philippines and China,” Castro said.

“Both countries should work hard to ensure mutual respect,” she added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier expressed concern over heated exchanges between Filipino officials, some senators, and Chinese diplomats in Manila regarding the ongoing territorial dispute in the strategically important South China Sea.

In January, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz to protest statements made by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, who criticized China’s increasingly assertive actions in the waters.

The Chinese Embassy also condemned a Senate resolution, labeling it “anti-China.”

Spokesperson Ji Lingpeng claimed that Philippine legislators had misrepresented facts and made threats toward Chinese diplomats.—MCG, GMA Integrated News