Manila, Sept. 19 -- Amid continued tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines is keeping diplomatic channels open with China, reaffirming its commitment to "future-oriented" cooperation as they mark 50 years of ties this year.

In a post on X, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she met with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on Friday.

Lazaro hosted a farewell luncheon for Huang, describing the event as "candid but constructive" despite what she called the "ups and downs" in Philippines-China relations over the years.

"That our RORE (rotation and resupply) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal can now be conducted incident-free attests to the value of our intensive diplomatic neg...