MANILA 21 January 2026 – In response to the remarks made recently by the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, the DFA affirms its support for publicly elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

The DFA reiterates that differences between States are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges.

In firm and consistent fashion, the DFA will continue to articulate the Philippines’ positions on the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, which are grounded in international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. END