The Philippine foreign ministry has formally protested to China’s embassy in Manila over what it called an "escalation of public exchanges" between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials concerning South China Sea disputes. The ministry defended its officials' comments as part of their duty to protect national sovereignty, while urging sober, professional and respectful public discourse. Tensions persist amid repeated maritime confrontations, with the Philippines accusing China of aggressive actions inside its EEZ.
Philippines Lodges 'Firm Representations' With Chinese Embassy Over Escalating South China Sea Rhetoric
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro speaks with Reuters for an interview in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
MANILA, Jan 26 (Reuters) — The Philippine foreign ministry said on Monday it had lodged "firm representations" with the Chinese embassy and its ambassador in Manila, protesting what it described as an "escalation of public exchanges" between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials over disputes in the South China Sea.
The Chinese embassy and other officials in Manila have recently stepped up public rhetoric, including criticism of the Philippines' coast guard spokesperson and members of the legislature. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro told Reuters last week that interstate differences are best handled through diplomacy rather than public back-and-forths.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a statement on Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry said it supported the remarks made by Philippine officials, noting those comments fall within their mandate to defend the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. At the same time, the ministry urged for "sober, professional and respectful exchanges in the public sphere."
"The Department believes that circumspection in language and actions are necessary so that the exchanges ... will not unnecessarily derail the diplomatic space needed to manage the tensions in the maritime domain," the foreign ministry said.
Manila and Beijing have been involved in repeated maritime confrontations in recent years. The Philippines accuses China of aggressive conduct inside its exclusive economic zone, citing dangerous manoeuvres, water‑cannon incidents and interference with resupply missions to offshore features.
Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas that lie within the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam — a claim that has long fueled regional tensions.
(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by David Stanway)
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