Manila, Feb. 16 -- Malacanang on Monday stressed that diplomacy between the Philippines and China must remain a "two-way street," amid a growing exchange of sharp statements between Filipino officials and the Chinese Embassy over tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Palace issued the statement after the Chinese Embassy warned that escalating political rhetoric against Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and calls for his replacement could jeopardize millions of Filipino jobs.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s earlier rejection of proposals to declare the Chinese envoy persona non grata.

"Ang sabi po ng Pangulo diyan... 'No, hindi po kinakailangang palitan, (The President said, 'No, th...