Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda advised against recalling Ambassador Jaime Florcruz from China.
Senator Francis Tolentino earlier said he wants to recall the Philippine Ambassador to China due to actions of the Chinese Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea, also known as South China Sea.
Salceda stressed on Monday, November 13, that communication between Philippines and China must persist especially amidst the growing tensions between the two countries.
He recommended that the Philippines focus on modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and take actions to show that the country has jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea.
"Mas important yung pag-uusap, yung conversation ay tumuloy," Salceda said during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
"Ang isang mundo na hindi nag-uusap, giyera ang hinahanap mo. Lahat naman ay ayaw niyan. Ang important ay ipakita natin na meron tayong ownership ng West Philippine Sea," he added.
The congressman also mentioned that the United States of America has not recalled Ambassador Nicholas Burns even amidst the strained relationship with China.
"Kung US nga na mas malaki ang away, hindi nila binabawi yung ambassador, gusto pa nga nila ay mag-usap," Salceda said.
On Friday, November 10, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel used a water cannon against a Philippine supply boat en route to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China in relation to the latest incident of harassment in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, the CCG vowed to continue with 'law enforcement activities' near Ayungin Shoal, which China claims as part of the country's territory.
However, a 2016 ruling by the International Arbitral Court denied the claim of China over the West Philippine Sea and ruled in favor of the Philippines.
