The Philippines must continue asserting its maritime rights while keeping diplomatic channels open with China, a political analyst said Wednesday amid renewed tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Speaking on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, University of Santo Tomas political science chair Prof. Dennis Coronacion underscored the role of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) in clarifying the country’s maritime boundaries.

“It is imperative for NAMRIA to determine the extent of our national territory and exclusive economic zone. I think that could settle and address the issue raised by Senator Marcoleta,” he said.

Coronacion noted that Congressman Paolo Marcoleta has been actively explaining the Philippines’ position and the 2016 arbitral ruling, citing international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as basis for asserting the country’s rights in its EEZ.

He added that NAMRIA’s actions are in line with the baseline law, even if China may not recognize moves that strengthen Manila’s claim.

“We should not lose hope because China has been firm in its position, but we have also seen it soften,” he said, recalling past incidents that eventually led to discussions between the two sides.

On the proposed Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, Coronacion said progress has long been stalled but pointed to recent signs of openness from Beijing.

“For this to become successful, the adoption of the Code of Conduct needs China’s support,” he said, expressing hope that China would sustain its willingness to engage in dialogue.