MANILA – China said it is open for dialogue with the Philippines to settle maritime disputes after President Marcos noted that Manila’s diplomatic relations with Beijing appeared to be heading toward a “poor direction.”
Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said China “stand(s) ready to properly handle disputes through dialogue and consultation.”
It also will not close its “door of dialogue and contact with the Philippines,” Wang added.
“We hope that the Philippines will make the right choice, seriously honor its commitment of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation and work with China to pursue the healthy and steady growth of bilateral ties and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region,” he added.
He also said that the current sea dispute does not represent the entirety of the Philippines and China relations.
But Wang blamed the Philippines for the rise of tensions in the South China Sea.
He said it was Manila that caused the “deliberate infringement” of China’s purported sovereignty. China had repeatedly called out the Philippines’ legitimate operations in the West Philippine Sea as Beijing claimed it was conducted in its waters.
“The responsibility lies with the Philippines,” he said.
“We will resolutely protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” he added.
