The Philippine foreign ministry has called on the Chinese Embassy in Manila to maintain a constructive tone amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The Department of Foreign Affairs' maritime affairs spokesperson, Rogelio Villanueva, urged Chinese diplomats to deliver responses in a calm and professional manner during the ongoing diplomatic dispute.

Villanueva's remarks follow the Senate's approval of a resolution condemning statements from the Chinese Embassy that criticized Philippine officials for defending the country's sovereignty in the South China Sea. The Chinese Embassy rejected the resolution as a political stunt, while Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez emphasized the need to cool tensions between the two countries.

The diplomatic spat comes against a backdrop of repeated maritime confrontations, with the Philippines accusing China of aggressive actions in its exclusive economic zones. These incidents have included dangerous maneuvers, water-cannoning, and interference with resupply missions, highlighting the fragile nature of bilateral relations despite economic ties.