MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday renewed the Philippines' call for diplomacy amid reports that China is preparing to wage war in Asia.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Philippines is still pushing for the arbitration case it filed before a United Nations tribunal questioning China's excessive territorial claims.
Coloma added that the Philippines is also still pushing for the creation of a formal Code of Conduct which will govern actions in the disputed South China Sea.
"Hindi natitinag ang posisyon ng ating pamahalaan hinggil sa pangangailangan na pairalin ang isang rules-based approach sa pagharap sa mga usapin sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea," Coloma said.
The Palace official was reacting to the statement of US Navy Capt. James Fanell that China's ruling Communist Party is "rejuvenating" and preparing for a military conflict in Asia.
The Washington Free Beacon reported last week that according to Fanell, there is "overwhelming" evidence that "Beijing has prepared for military action."
Fanell's statement came amid China's reclamation efforts in contested maritime features and after a Chinese coast guard ship reportedly rammed three Philippine fishing boats at Scarborough Shoal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has filed a formal protest against the latest incident in the long-running territorial dispute that has strained relations between the two Asian neighbors.
The DFA urged China to stop bullying Filipino fishermen.
"We would like China to stop 'yung harassment ng mga Filipino fishermen. Don't do action that would endanger the lives of our fishermen," Jose told reporters at the sidelines of the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation First Senior Officials' Meeting held at Clark, Pampanga.