Story perspectives

Philippine Ambassador Calls for China De-Escalation Amid Tensions

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jose Manuel Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, urged de-escalation with China to enable cooperation on the Code of Conduct.
The Philippines aims to explore economic collaboration while addressing maritime disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Recent confrontations heighten rhetoric.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, Romualdez hopes for Chinese participation in finalizing the Code of Conduct, aligning it with UNCLOS.

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Story summary

Jose Manuel Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, urged de-escalation with China to enable cooperation on the Code of Conduct.
The Philippines aims to explore economic collaboration while addressing maritime disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Recent confrontations heighten rhetoric.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, Romualdez hopes for Chinese participation in finalizing the Code of Conduct, aligning it with UNCLOS.