Manila maintains dialogue with Beijing while deepening alliances with like-minded nations, upholding principled diplomacy in the disputed waters.

MANILA: The Philippines is maintaining open communication channels with China even as it strengthens alliances with other nations over the South China Sea.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva stated the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) pursues candid dialogue with Beijing while deepening partnerships with like-minded countries.

“Even as the DFA deepens alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries, it also maintains open lines of communication with the Chinese side in pursuit of candid, constructive dialogue and practical cooperation,” Villanueva said in a briefing.

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This approach forms part of the country’s commitment to “effective and principled diplomacy” in advancing its interests. The statement follows recent ill-tempered exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials.

The Philippines has recently held separate bilateral talks on maritime issues with the United States and Canada. Manila and Washington have also committed to ramping up the deployment of advanced US missile and unmanned systems in the Southeast Asian nation.

Both nations have been locked in a series of maritime confrontations in recent years over territorial disputes. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest Philippine statements.

 The Sun Malaysia