Malacañang says the Philippines maintains good relations with China despite an escalating public exchange involving Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and officials from the Chinese Embassy in Manila. In separate briefings reported by outlets, Palace spokesperson Claire Castro states that, from the Philippines’ perspective, ties with China remain positive and do not break down due to statements made by Teodoro.
The remarks come after what multiple reports describe as a “word war” or heated exchange between Teodoro and Chinese Embassy officials. The Palace position is that disagreement in public statements does not automatically indicate a wider rift or conflict between the two countries.
The reports also cite the administration’s approach to managing international relations, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued guidance on how the Philippines should treat relations with other countries. Overall, the sources converge on the same conclusion: any tension appears confined to the verbal dispute between officials rather than reflecting a deterioration of bilateral relations between Manila and Beijing.
