Manila, June 29 -- Malacanang on Monday maintained that relations between the Philippines and China remain "good" despite increasingly sharp exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials over issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants the Philippines to continue to pursue its national interests and protect its sovereign rights through diplomatic means.

Castro stressed that the Philippines remains committed to asserting its rights without resorting to provocation, aggression, or unlawful occupation.

"We could protect our rights, we could fight for our interests in a diplomatic manner. Wala naman po tayong probokasyon, wala naman din t...