The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to respond calmly and professionally to statements made by Philippine officials, as a war of words between the two sides continues over tensions in the South China Sea. DFA Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio E. Villanueva, Jr. said the embassy should remain mindful of diplomatic norms and mutual respect in its public statements. “We urge the Chinese Embassy to be constructive in its statements towards a healthy dialogue despite major differences, with a view to advance the overall bilateral relationship,” he said in a statement.

Halili, A. H., & Sinaking, E. M. P. (2026, February 12). Philippines pushes calm diplomacy as sea dispute with China deepens. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.