QUEZON CITY — Diplomacy remains the most effective approach for the Philippines in addressing disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), experts said Saturday, amid recent exchanges between Chinese diplomats and Filipino lawmakers.
The discussion took place during a forum in South Triangle, Quezon City, attended by Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Manila Rep. Joel Chua, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, and national security expert Professor Sherwin Ona.
Ona, a De La Salle University professor and advocate for a stronger Philippine stance in the WPS, said the country must counter Chinese disinformation and adopt a comprehensive strategy to protect its sovereignty.
Earlier this month, the Philippine Senate condemned comments by the Chinese Embassy in Manila targeting Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela and Filipino lawmakers. The Senate subsequently declared Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata.
In response, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Ling Peng said only President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could authorize such a declaration. He added that any expulsion would include his entire 12-member media affairs team. Malacañang later clarified that the President has no plans to expel the envoy.
Ranjit Rye, OCTA Research fellow and University of the Philippines professor, cited survey data showing that 60 percent of Filipinos favor diplomacy as the government’s primary response to WPS tensions. “Most Filipinos believe that our rights under international law should be upheld, but through measured and diplomatic action,” Rye said.
Rye noted that while citizens are willing to defend national sovereignty, they also remain respectful toward Chinese and Filipino-Chinese communities, reflecting public maturity on the issue. He emphasized that ordinary Filipinos clearly view the WPS as Philippine territory that must be defended but prefer that actions remain diplomatic.
Ona stressed that, despite heightened rhetoric from China, the Philippines should remain engaged diplomatically while preparing to assert its territorial rights. He highlighted the importance of monitoring key areas such as Bajo de Masinloc and other contested zones and noted that allies such as the United States and Japan could assist if necessary.
“Given their domestic challenges, China may be attempting to gain symbolic victories in the West Philippine Sea,” Ona said, adding that vigilance and a proactive approach are essential. He also urged that cultural and economic considerations remain part of the broader diplomatic strategy, particularly with the ASEAN summit approaching.