China's envoy to the Philippines on Thursday, July 14, alleged that "some outsiders" who are not from Asia are trying to sow discord between the two countries to serve their own geopolitical interests.

Huang Xilian, Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, said in a statement that "in Asian culture, outsiders should promote peace and facilitate dialogue," but such outsiders apparently "do not behave this way."

He asked "what is their true intention?" as he alleged that these countries "try every means to fan the flame and drive wedge."

Huang did not refer to any issue in particular but his statement, which was posted on Facebook, came after the United States, Canada, Australia and France expressed support for the Philippines in its position in relation to the dispute on the South China Sea.

In backing the Philippines, the said countries cited the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration made six years ago as well as the international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"Do they really care about the welfare of the Filipino people and regional peace and stability? I am afraid not. Rather, they have their own geopolitical interests to serve," Huang said.

The envoy also said that Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his recent visit to the Philippines, "stressed that China and the Philippines should make joint efforts to be good neighbors, good relatives and good partners."

"nd the only right path for the bilateral relations is to adhere to good-neighborliness and friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides have agreed to properly handle differences from a strategic and overall perspective, putting them in a proper place in bilateral relations," he added.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in a recent presser, said that the dispute on the South China Sea should not just be the only thing to talk about, although he will make an effort to resolve it.

On the other hand, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo made a strong statement on the sixth anniversary of the Award by saying it is "final" and "indisputable." He also rejected other countries' claims.

"The best way to settle disputes between neighbors is through patient and cordial dialog to find a win-win solution," Huang said.

China had been advancing its activities on parts of the West Philippines Sea that already raised concerns of the Philippine government.

"Without interference from outside, neighbors can get along with each other well and handle differences properly, simply because they know that quarrels and fights lead nowhere and they can't be moved away from each other," he added.