The Philippines will maintain a firm stance against Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by grounding its response in international law while keeping diplomatic channels open, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed Wednesday.
Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Manila Strategy Forum 2026, Lazaro underscored that Manila’s sovereignty claims are non-negotiable and firmly rooted in global legal standards.
Lazaro said that the country’s position remains anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the historic 2016 Arbitral Award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
She stressed that established legal frameworks cannot be compromised or treated as diplomatic concessions.
“These legal instruments are not bargaining chips that can simply be set aside or negotiated away,” Lazaro said. “They represent established principles of international law that serve as the foundation of our position.”
While Manila remains firm on its maritime jurisdiction, Lazaro clarified that the Philippines continues to favor peaceful dialogue with Beijing to manage ongoing tensions in the disputed waters.
The Foreign Affairs secretary emphasized that maintaining open lines of communication with China is vital to prevent miscalculations at sea. However, she made it clear that engaging in diplomatic talks does not mean abandoning the country’s position or compromising its rights under international law.
Lazaro reaffirmed that defending national territory and jurisdiction remains the DFA’s core objective, executed through a balanced strategy that pairs strict adherence to the rule of law with active diplomacy.