MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday insisted that relations between the Philippines and China remain “good” despite Beijing’s decision to sanction Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., maintaining that the diplomatic row has not created a rift between the two countries.
Palace Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Marcos administration remains committed to maintaining positive ties with China while firmly carrying out its mandate to protect Philippine sovereignty and national interests.
“Ang bansang China ay tumutupad sa kanilang batas at polisiya, ganoon din ang bansang Pilipinas. Si Sec. Gibo ay tumutupad lang sa kaniyang mandato bilang opisyal ng Pilipinas,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
“Sa parte ng Pilipinas, itinuturing pa rin na maganda ang relasyon sa bansa ng China,” she added.
Castro also rejected claims that Teodoro’s strong statements against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea had damaged bilateral relations.
“Hindi naman nagkakaroon ng rift o sigalot dahil sa mga mensahe ng ating Defense Secretary,” she said.
China recently imposed sanctions on Teodoro, barring him from entering Chinese territory and prohibiting Chinese citizens and organizations from conducting transactions or other activities with him.
Beijing accused the defense chief of making “irresponsible remarks” that allegedly undermined China’s interests and harmed bilateral relations.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs condemned the sanctions as an “unfriendly act,” while Teodoro said he had no intention of visiting China and would continue fulfilling his constitutional duty to defend Philippine sovereignty.
Castro stressed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government officials to continue addressing differences with China through diplomacy while safeguarding the country’s sovereign rights.
“Ang pangulo po ang direktiba… Dapat daanin sa diplomatikong pamamaraan,” she said. “We can protect our rights, we can protect our interests in a diplomatic manner.”
The Philippines, this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is pushing to conclude negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea within the year to establish rules governing disputes in the contested waters, although discussions continue over whether the agreement should be legally binding./PN
