Malacañang on Tuesday ruled out economic retaliation against China amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. favors diplomacy while safeguarding the country’s maritime rights.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration does not intend to impose trade restrictions against Beijing in response to reported economic threats.
Speaking at a media briefing in Cagayan de Oro, Castro was asked whether the government would consider banning nickel exports or other products from Surigao del Sur to China as a retaliatory measure.
“Hindi po ganyan mag-isip ang ating Pangulo. Ang Pangulo hindi po niya dinadaan sa parang magkaaway na mga bata,” Castro said.
Her remarks followed heightened diplomatic tensions after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan reportedly claimed that China could easily defeat the Philippines in an armed confrontation.
The Philippine government protested the ambassador’s remarks, which officials considered threatening.
Unconfirmed reports have also suggested that Beijing is considering economic and other retaliatory measures against Manila.
Castro emphasized that Marcos prefers diplomatic engagement and recognizes the importance of maintaining economic cooperation despite disagreements over maritime issues.
“So, hindi po mag-iisip ang Pangulo ng ganang klaseng retaliation dahil alam po natin na ang bansang Tsina at ang Pilipinas ay nagkakatulungan patungkol at may kaugnayan po sa ekonomiya, trade and investment,” she said.
The Palace official stressed that economic relations and the protection of Philippine maritime interests should be addressed through their respective government channels.
She explained that the Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for diplomatic engagement, while defense and maritime agencies are tasked with protecting the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime interests.
Castro maintained that the administration would continue pursuing diplomatic solutions while upholding the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.
