The Philippines and the United States on Monday condemned China’s “coercive and aggressive” actions in the South China Sea while reaffirming their commitment to regional security, freedom of navigation, and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
In a joint statement on Tuesday following the 12th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, both nations reiterated that the MDT covers armed attacks against their armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels—including coast guards—anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.
“They underscored their support for preserving freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and other lawful uses of the sea for all nations,” the joint statement read.
“Both sides condemned China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the South China Sea, recognizing their adverse effects on regional peace and stability and the economies of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
As this developed, the Department of Foreign Affairs urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to maintain a responsible and measured tone in its public statements, expressing concern that recent remarks dangling possible job loss amid heightened tensions could affect constructive dialogue between the two sides.
“We take strong exception to the Embassy’s tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation,” the DFA said.
“In the current atmosphere, this framing (of the issue) risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” it added.
Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng earlier warned that significant disruptions to diplomatic relations could lead to severe economic consequences, potentially impacting “millions of jobs.”
Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal criticized the embassy’s warning, describing it as a threat and a sign of failed diplomacy.
Batongbacal also disputed the claim that “millions” of jobs were at stake, citing Department of Migrant Workers data showing there are about 165,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, 28,800 in Macau, and 12,250 in mainland China.
On Tuesday, Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving differences with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, urging the DFA to help prevent remarks that could undermine diplomatic efforts.
“China remains committed to managing differences and resolving disputes with the Philippine side through dialogue and consultation. At the same time, we firmly oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred,” he said in a statement.
“We urge the DFA to play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals in the Philippines from making such remarks, in order to prevent any undermining or harm to ongoing diplomatic efforts,” he added.
As this developed, two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships were spotted near Bajo de Masinloc during the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity involving the Philippines, Australia, and the United States.
The Chinese vessels kept their distance, did not form up with, nor approach, the participating ships, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.
Sailors aboard the Philippine Navy’s newest guided‑missile frigate, BRP Diego Silang, observed the PLAN ships toward the latter part of the activity.
While foreign vessel movement is common in international waters, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla—who was also aboard the Diego Silang—described the presence of the Chinese ships as illegal.
“Basically, these are illegal presences in the area, so this will be submitted to the proper agency accordingly,” she said.
