Chinese officials have agreed to prioritize backchannel diplomacy over public exchanges to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea, according to Sen. Erwin Tulfo, following his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan.
Tulfo said both sides committed to continuous diplomatic talks and discussed progress on a proposed Code of Conduct between China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations claimant-states, targeted for completion by December, as well as the possible revival of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard by end-March.
He also explained Philippine democratic practices to the envoy, stressing freedom of expression and the separation of powers amid Beijing’s complaints over critical statements and protests.
Tulfo clarified that senators did not agree to tone down their rhetoric against China during the all-senators’ caucus later in the day.
Meanwhile, PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela reported suspected Chinese signal jamming near Bajo de Masinloc, disrupting internet connectivity during operations to assist Filipino fishermen in the area.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 24, 2026
