NMC urges restraint, clarity after Chinese Embassy spat

THE NATIONAL Maritime Council (NMC) on Wednesday urged restraint and factual clarity in public discourse on the South China Sea, after a series of sharp exchanges between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials that have further strained bilateral ties.

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In a statement, the council said discussions on the West Philippine Sea should be guided by respect for international law and conducted through established diplomatic and legal channels, rather than through public rhetoric.

“The NMC calls for restraint, factual clarity, and respect for international law in all discussions relating to the West Philippine Sea,” it said, adding that official engagement between states should remain institutional and rules-based.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

The council’s remarks come after Beijing’s embassy in Manila issued several statements criticizing Philippine politicians and security officials who have taken a more vocal stance in asserting Philippine maritime claims.

Those statements, some of which directly called out individual officials, prompted pushback from Philippine authorities, who said the messaging crossed diplomatic norms.