MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippine Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged the Chinese embassy in Manila to take a “constructive” approach in its statement, amid an escalating war of words between Chinese diplomats and public officials including senators.
Rogelio Villanueva, the foreign ministry’s newly appointed maritime spokesman, said the response should be in a “calm” and “professional” manner.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs values candid and robust debate with foreign counterparts on important issues consistent with the Philippine democratic tradition,” he said.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Villanueva’s comments came after the Senate on Monday approved a resolution condemning a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila that criticized Philippine officials for defending the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
The Chinese embassy rejected and condemned the resolution, calling it a “political stunt.”
On Tuesday, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez stressed the need to “cool down” relations between China and the Philippines, saying the relationship between the two countries should not be defined solely by maritime disputes.
The Philippines and China have been locked in a series of maritime confrontations in recent years, with the Philippines accusing China of aggressive actions within its exclusive economic zone, including dangerous drills, high-pressure water cannons and interference with supply missions.
China, in turn, accuses the Philippines of invading territory it claims.
(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by David Stanway)