Manila: Diplomacy is not tantamount to weakness, Malaca±ang said on Friday, following calls for the Philippine government to reconsider its stance on the 'One China' policy amid Beijing's continued incursions and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized to reporters that courage is not demonstrated through physical confrontations and that a diplomatic approach does not indicate weakness. She stated, "Ang katapangan ay hindi nadadaan sa buntalan. Ang pagiging diplomatic ay hindi nagpapakita ng kahinaan."

Castro reiterated the President's directive for a diplomacy and rules-based approach, highlighting that the nation is not waging war but will not back down from any confrontation. This statement comes in response to Senator Erwin Tulfo's call on Thursday for the Philippines to reconsider its position, expressing concerns that the country appears to be allowing itself to be intimidated under the guise of diplomacy.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense has labeled the Philippines a 'troublemaker' in the South China Sea due to its recent efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with allied nations, including the United States and Australia. In response, Castro pointed out that while the Philippines cannot prevent China from crafting its narrative, it remains steadfast in asserting its rights based on international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the arbitral ruling.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed on Thursday that the Philippines will continue to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue in its dealings with China over the West Philippine Sea.