By Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
The Philippine government has made “firm representations” to China’s embassy in Manila following what it described as an escalation in public exchanges between Chinese and Philippine officials over South China Sea disputes.
According to the Philippine Foreign Ministry, recent weeks saw heightened rhetoric from Chinese officials in Manila, including criticisms directed at the Philippines’ coast guard spokesperson and lawmakers.
Foreign Affairs Secretary, Ma. Theresa Lazaro told Reuters that differences between states are best managed through diplomacy rather than public confrontations.
The ministry reaffirmed that Philippine officials’ statements were part of their mandate to uphold the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, while also calling for “sober, professional and respectful exchanges in the public sphere.”
“Circumspection in language and actions is necessary to ensure these exchanges do not derail the diplomatic space needed to manage tensions in the maritime domain,” the ministry said.
Manila and Beijing have had recurring maritime confrontations in recent years, with the Philippines accusing China of aggressive maneuvers, water‑cannon incidents, and disruptions of resupply missions within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China continues to claim sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas within the EEZs of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
