The Philippines has intensified diplomatic and strategic efforts in the South China Sea, as negotiations with Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China move alongside sharpening public messaging and renewed assurances from the United States.
Philippines pushes to accelerate South China Sea code of conduct talks
Manila, serving as ASEAN chair in 2026, is prioritising the conclusion of a legally binding South China Sea code of conduct. Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said working groups are expected to meet regularly to advance negotiations between ASEAN member-states and China.
Despite the renewed push, diplomats and analysts cited in the report cautioned that fundamental disagreements remain, particularly over whether the code should be legally binding. China’s rejection of the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its expansive maritime claims also continues to complicate negotiations, raising doubts about whether a final agreement can be reached within the year.
Source: South China Morning Post
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343036/philippines-wants-seal-south-china-sea-code-conduct-can-it-deliver
Manila and Beijing sharpen messaging over maritime incidents
Public communication surrounding confrontations at sea has intensified. The Philippines has released footage of encounters, including incidents involving water cannon use near contested features, as part of what observers describe as an “assertive transparency” approach aimed at highlighting Chinese actions.
Beijing has countered by describing its actions as legitimate law enforcement measures and accusing Philippine vessels of provocation. The contrasting narratives reflect a broader diplomatic and information contest as both sides frame developments in the disputed waters to domestic and international audiences.
Source: South China Morning Post
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343130/bully-vs-sovereignty-how-manila-and-beijing-are-sharpening-their-south-china-sea-messaging
China’s envoy urges dialogue amid rising tensions
China’s ambassador in Manila has called on the Philippine government to resolve disputes through dialogue, urging both sides to engage in talks rather than escalate rhetoric. The Chinese embassy also pushed back against political statements and resolutions in the Philippines that it views as counterproductive to bilateral relations.
The appeal for direct engagement comes as maritime tensions and diplomatic exchanges continue between the two governments.
Source: ABS-CBN
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/12/china-envoy-tells-philippines-let-s-talk-1319
Manila confident in continued U.S. support
The Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, expressed confidence that Washington will uphold its commitments to Manila amid tensions in the South China Sea. He welcomed ongoing high-level dialogue between the United States and China, while underscoring the Philippines’ intention to strengthen defence cooperation with its treaty ally.
At the same time, Romualdez said the Philippines seeks to maintain economic engagement with China alongside its security partnership with the United States.
Source: ABC News
https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/us-abandon-philippines-fighting-chinas-assertiveness-sea-manilas-130018931