MANILA — The Senate is now directly coordinating with the Chinese Embassy in Manila to schedule an in-person dialogue aimed at easing tensions over the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Rogelio Villanueva Jr., DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs, said the department welcomes the initiative led by Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson, noting that the Senate has begun reaching out to Beijing’s mission independently.

“It is our belief that the Senate is already making direct representations with the Embassy of Manila to find a mutually convenient date for that dialogue,” Villanueva said during a press briefing.

He added that the DFA is prepared to assist if requested. “If the Senate reaches out to the DFA, definitely we are prepared to extend the necessary assistance.”

DFA will not summon Chinese ambassador

Despite the embassy’s frequent public criticisms of senators defending the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, the DFA said it will not summon Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan.

Former senator Francis Tolentino earlier suggested that the DFA should summon embassy officials rather than interfere in Senate debates. Villanueva responded: “We respect the opinion of Senator Tolentino,” adding that the DFA has “already made firm representations with serious concern to the Chinese embassy in Manila” and has “urged them to engage in discourse in a calm and professional manner.”

The proposed dialogue traces back to a Lunar New Year reception on February 11, where Jing encouraged Philippine officials to “sit down” and talk, noting that political dialogue between Manila and Beijing had “nearly come to a standstill.” Lacson described the remark as a “pleasant surprise” and suggested that Senate President Vicente Sotto IIIarrange a meeting with the Chinese diplomats at the Senate, the embassy, or a neutral venue.

Skepticism from some senators

Not all lawmakers are convinced. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, who was among those publicly criticized by the Chinese embassy, said the talks would depend on the embassy’s sincerity. “It’s hard to trust them,” he told reporters.

Since Jing’s arrival in December 2025, the embassy has adopted a more combative stance, posting on Facebook and X in defense of its claims in the South China Sea and singling out Philippine officials including Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, Pangilinan, Representatives Chel Diokno (Akbayan), and Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal).

In response, the Senate passed a resolution condemning the embassy’s more aggressive messaging.