MANILA — Senator Erwin Tulfo described his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan as “productive,” emphasizing that both sides agreed to prioritize continuous diplomatic engagement rather than public exchanges.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said the discussion focused on keeping communication lines open through regular meetings instead of airing disagreements on social media or in the press.

“It was productive. Both of us agreed na open ‘yung continuous diplomatic meetings rather than public discourse, rather than banatan on-air sa social media, sa newspaper,” Tulfo said.

The meeting was facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and attended by Secretary Theresa Lazaro. Tulfo noted that while the Chinese Embassy did not discuss stopping statements critical of Filipino officials, the talks centered on broader diplomatic initiatives.

Tulfo added that the Chinese side expressed optimism over the ongoing negotiations on a Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN claimant states, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei. He said the agreement is expected to be finalized by December.

Discussions also included the potential renewal of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Chinese Coast Guard to promote cooperation in the West Philippine Sea, including joint patrols, search and rescue, and clean-up operations.

“Instead magbanatan sila dun sa West Philippine Sea… magkaroon na lang ng cooperation like patrol, search and rescue, clean-up,” Tulfo said.

Monthly dialogues among claimant countries and China are set to begin in March, according to Lazaro. Tulfo emphasized that Senate resolutions on the West Philippine Sea remain within the chamber’s prerogative.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open diplomatic channels between the Philippines and China amid tensions in the disputed waters.