Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) affirmed its position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and expressed support for government and elected officials following a warning from China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry had cautioned that Philippine officials would "pay the price" for what it deemed provocations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA responded to remarks by a Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman by emphasizing its support for officials and institutions performing their lawful duties in defending Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. It reiterated that diplomatic channels are the best means to address differences between states.

The DFA issued this statement after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela of spreading disinformation and smearing China's image. Guo further accused certain individuals in the Philippines of making provocations and warned of consequences.

The DFA stated its intention to continue asserting the Philippines' positions on the WPS and the South China Sea consistently. The Philippines anchors its policy on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which invalidated China's nine-dash line claim and upheld the Philippines' rights over its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

Since early January, tensions have been evident, with exchanges between Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei and Tarriela. Tarriela has described China's stance as aggressive, while the Chinese Embassy rejected criticisms from Philippine lawmakers as baseless.

Source: Philippines News Agency