Senate eyes cooperation with China after word war

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February 23, 2026 | 5:47pm

MANILA, Philippines — A recent bitter exchange between several Philippine senators and the Chinese Embassy appeared to ease after Foreign Relations Committee chair Erwin Tulfo met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan alongside Foreign Secretary Tess Lazaro on Monday, February 23.

Tulfo described the bid as "productive," as both sides agreeed to conduct more cordial and diplomatic meetings rather than public discourse. Differences could be settled through conversations instead, he argued.

"I was telling them that we have freedom of speech here. It's under democratic process. So, like I said, even our leaders here, their effigies are burnt, the people are used to it. Perhaps we should understand, they are conservative," Tulfo said.

Tulfo noted that tensions appeared to have quieted in recent days.

The senator also said the discussions included the possibility of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Chinese Coast Guard. 

"Instead na magbanatan sila doon sa West Philippine Sea, magkaroon na lang ng cooperation like patrol, search and rescue, clean up, 'yun 'yung nabanggit ni Ambassador Jing," Tulfo said.

(Instead of fighting in the West Philippine Sea, there can be cooperation like  patrol, search and rescue, clean up, as was mentioned by Ambassador Jing.) 

Another topic raised was the South China Sea Code of Conduct, which he said could be finalized by December, Tulfo said. 

In the past few weeks, the Chinese Embassy publicly slammed several Philippine officials for reiterating the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea. This prompted the Senate to file a resolution condemning the embassy’s statement.