The National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday criticized what it described as an “undiplomatic and uncalled for” pattern of public statements from China’s Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Manila, saying such remarks undermine Philippine institutions and violate diplomatic norms.

In a statement, NSC spokesperson Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr. stressed that the Philippines is a democratic country governed by the rule of law, where public officials are duty-bound to inform Filipinos about matters affecting national security, including developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“This responsibility does not require approval from any foreign government,” Valencia said, pushing back against what it characterized as attempts to intimidate or silence Philippine officials through public messaging.

He reiterated that disagreements between states should be addressed through established diplomatic channels, such as the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between Manila and Beijing, and in accordance with international law.

Valencia also warned that public statements perceived as threatening or coercive are inconsistent with diplomatic engagement and violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

He reminded China of the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated Beijing’s so-called “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone. The ruling, the council noted, remains a cornerstone of international law and regional stability and has been supported by numerous countries.

According to Valencia, tensions in the WPS stem from China’s continued refusal to comply with the arbitral award and its “self-serving reinterpretations” of international law.

“China’s continued refusal to abide with the 2016 Arbitral Award and its self-serving reinterpretations of international law — clearly revisionist and discredited — is the source of tensions in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

The NSC described China’s actions as illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive, warning that these behaviors threaten regional security and infringe on the sovereign rights of coastal states beyond the Philippines.

Despite the tensions, Valencia said the Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea calmly and firmly, grounded in international law.

“We will do so calmly, firmly, and without being distracted by attempts to shift the discussion away from the real issue,” Valencia said, pointing to what the council called “unlawful and destabilizing actions at sea” and in the public sphere that endanger regional peace and security.