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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No rift between Philippines, China despite officials' row—Palace

No rift between Philippines, China despite officials' row—Palace

Published Jun 29, 2026 04:19 pm
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Malacañang said the relationship between the Philippines and China remains in good condition despite the spat between the Chinese Embassy and the Department of National Defense (DND).
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said there is no conflict between the two countries due to the exchange of strongly-worded statements between their respective officials.
"Sa atin po, sa parte po ng Pilipinas, itinuturing pa rin pong maganda ang relasyon ng ating bansa sa bansang China (From the Philippines' perspective, we continue to consider our relationship with China to be good)," Castro stated in a Palace briefing on Monday, June 29.
"So, hindi naman po nagkakaroon ng anumang rift o sigalot dahil lang sa mga mensahe ng ating Defense Secretary (There is no rift or conflict between our two countries simply because of the statements made by our Defense Secretary)," Castro added.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has slammed China for its "insincerity and duplicity" after the Chinese embassy in Manila rejected the 2016 arbitral award over Beijing’s maritime claims.
The Chinese Embassy responded in a lengthy statement, accusing Teodoro of vilifying China and criticizing him for his remarks, which they described as irresponsible and "pure political theatrics."
The Palace official reiterated that President Marcos remains committed to resolving differences diplomatically while protecting the country's rights and interests.
"Ulitin po natin, ang Pangulo po ang direktiba po patungkol po sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang bansa lalung-lalo na po patungkol sa West Philippine Sea dapat ay daanin sa diplomatikong pamamaraan (Let me reiterate, the President's directive regarding the country's engagement with other nations, especially on the West Philippine Sea, is that it should be pursued through diplomatic means)," Castro said.
"We could protect our rights; we could fight for our interest in a diplomatic manner – iyan naman po ang nais ng Pangulo (that's what the President wants)," Castro added.
The Palace spokesperson also asserted that the Philippines is not provoking anyone, nor threatening anyone. Teodoro, she said, was just doing his job.
"Wala naman po tayong probokasyon, wala naman po tayong agresyon at wala naman din pong pananakot na ginagawa ang Pilipinas kahit kanino mang teritoryo (The Philippines is not provoking anyone, committing any acts of aggression, or threatening the territory of any country)," Castro said.
"Ang bansang China ay tumutupad sa kanilang batas at sa kanilang polisiya, ganoon din po ang Pilipinas. At si Secretary Gibo ay tumutupad lang din sa kanyang mandato, kagaya rin po ng mga opisyales ng bansang China (China is implementing its own laws and policies, and the Philippines is doing the same. Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro is simply carrying out his mandate, just as Chinese officials are carrying out theirs)," Castro added.

Related Tags

Philippines-China West Philipine Sea Chinese Embassy in Manila Gilberto Tedoro Jr. 2016 Arbitral Award PH-China Claire Castro
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