Manila, October 13 (AseanAll)  — The Marcos administration remains committed to maintaining diplomatic and economic relations with China while protecting Philippine sovereignty and national interests, Malacañang said on October 13, 2026.

Philippine Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government continues to engage Beijing, particularly in trade and investment, and has no intention of severing ties with China.

“There is no prohibition in dealing with China in relation to trade and investment. Alam naman natin iyan. And we are also dealing with China in a very diplomatic manner,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Asked about the Chinese Embassy’s claim that Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had suspended military-to-military communications with China, Castro referred the matter to the defense chief for clarification.

She stressed that the Philippines continues to engage China to sustain economic cooperation.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa China dahil nais din natin magpatuloy din iyong trade and investment natin sa bansang China,” Castro said.

Castro said maintaining bilateral relations is separate from the Philippines’ responsibility to defend its sovereignty and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea（It is internationally known as the South China Sea）.

The Palace reiterated the government’s commitment to diplomacy and economic cooperation while upholding the country’s national interests.