The National Security Council views the recent pattern of public statements of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Manila as undiplomatic and uncalled for. The concern extends beyond individual officials to the broader impact on Philippine institutions.
The Philippines is a democracy governed by the rule of law. Public officials, spokespersons, and institutions are mandated to inform the Filipino people of developments affecting national security, including activities in the West Philippine Sea. This responsibility does not require approval from any foreign government.
We reiterate that disagreements between States must be addressed through established diplomatic channels, like the existing Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, consistent with international law and diplomatic norms. Public messaging that intimidates, threatens, or seeks to silence Philippine officials performing their lawful duties is inconsistent with the spirit and obligations of diplomatic engagement and clearly violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
We wish to respectfully remind China that an independent tribunal constituted under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) issued an arbitral award in favor of the Philippines which invalidated China’s so-called “nine-dash line” as having no legal basis and affirming the Philippines’ maritime rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone. This ruling supported by so many nations remains a cornerstone of international law and stability.
China’s continued refusal to abide with the 2016 Arbitral Award and its self-serving reinterpretations of international law – clearly revisionist and discredited – is the source of tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Its illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive behavior escalates tensions, threatens regional security, and infringes on the sovereign rights of coastal states, not only the Philippines.
The Philippines will continue to uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, grounded in international law. We will do so calmly, firmly, and without being distracted by attempts to shift the discussion away from the real issue: unlawful, coercive, and destabilizing actions at sea and in the public space that threaten regional peace and security.
