China's embassy in Manila is committed to continue promoting dialogue with the Philippines despite recent verbal spats between the two sides following its talk with the legislative branch of the government arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Ji Lingpeng, spokesman for the embassy, said Thursday, Feb. 26, that the recent meeting between the embassy and Senate Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Erwin Tulfo was "candid, constructive and forward-looking," but it yielded a positive result.
"The two sides agreed to keep diplomatic channels open and continue political conversations," Ji said.
"They emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue between the two coast guards and the importance of their cooperation rather than confrontation or conflict," he added.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and Tulfo sat down for talks on Monday, Feb. 23, in a dialogue arranged by the DFA to contain an escalating word war between Philippine lawmakers and Chinese diplomats.
According to Ji, the ambassador raised during the meeting China’s position on its relations with the Philippines, on the Taiwan question, and on maritime issues.
"Both recognized the opportunity to make progress on the Code of Conduct of parties in the South China Sea (COC) this year. And all parties of COC consultation should step up their efforts to achieve this goal," Ji said.
"They also agreed to further advance cooperation in areas such as people-to-people exchanges, law enforcement, trade and investment," he added.
Ji said the ambassador stressed that after everything, it is still the fundamental duty of the Chinese Embassy to promote China-Philippines friendship and cooperation, while also firmly safeguarding China's national interests and dignity.
"We welcome constructive dialogue but oppose any remarks or attempts to spread disinformation, incite hostility and confrontation, or undermine China-Philippines relations," he said.
Ji said the embassy will continue to actively promote dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and bring bilateral relations back on track at an early date.
"It is in the fundamental interests of both peoples," he added.