Manila, Aug. 28 -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Thursday said the Philippines would continue to rely on diplomacy and dialogue in dealing with China over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Testifying before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Lazaro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) employs several mechanisms, including the bilateral consultative mechanism with China, to ease tensions.

She cited that since June 2024, a provisional arrangement on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal has helped prevent further incidents during supply missions to BRP Sierra Madre.

"These mechanisms may not have an immediate impact, but diplomacy definitely has a very important role," Lazaro said, adding that diplomatic protests f...