PH, China call for 'constructive' dialogue

The Philippines' first-ever maritime affairs spokesman has urged the Chinese embassy in Manila to “be constructive in its statements” amid its escalating word war with Filipino officials.

- By JOSEPH PEDRAJAS, ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS, and HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva made the call, adding that China must do so “despite major differences.”

That’s with the “view to advance the overall bilateral relationship,” Villanueva added.

In a video statement, Villanueva said the agency values candid and vigorous debate with its foreign counterparts on important issues that are consistent with the Philippines’ democratic radition.

"While indeed the embassies have the duty to respond, the DFA urges that such responses be made in a calm and professional manner, conscious of the mutual respect that must prevail in all diplomatic interactions," he said.

Villanueva was appointed on Monday, Feb. 9, following President Marcos' directive to reinforce the agency's central role in state-to-state engagement and prioritize diplomacy in advancing national interests.

'Constructive voice'

China's embassy in Manila urged the Philippines to speak with a "unified and constructive voice" as it blamed Filipino officials for triggering recent exchanges amid Manila's maritime spokesman's call for calm and professional diplomatic engagement despite tensions.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said this after Villanueva urged Beijing's mission to "be constructive in its statements" to advance the overall bilateral relationship.

In a Facebook post, Ji said the recent public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and some Philippine officials and institutions started when Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela "kept attacking and smearing China." "It was always them who attacked China first," Ji said, reiterating that China did not start the word war.