MANILA, Philippines — China is keeping its door of dialogue and communication open with the Philippines amid an escalation of their territorial dispute in the South China Sea (SCS).

China's statement on May 29, 2024 comes in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s concern over new rules outlined by China's Coast Guard. These rules could potentially lead to the detention of foreigners in the South China Sea, which Marcos described as "worrisome" and "an escalation of the situation."

Marcos has pledged to take any opportunity to engage with China to halt aggressive actions and secure the rights of Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said during her regular press conference that China wanted to emphasize that it was open to dialogue and communication with the Philippines.

However, she stressed that it was essential that sincere dialogue was necessary, and any agreements reached must be followed through rather than simply discussing the need for dialogue while continuing to provoke.

According to a Chinese foreign ministry official, China's Coast Guard has introduced new regulations to standardize the administrative law-enforcement procedures of Coast Guard agencies and maintain order at sea.

"These regulations align with international norms and practices," she said.

"Individuals and entities do not need to be concerned as long as they have not done anything illicit," said Mao Ning.

The Philippines said on Thursday that it was putting the final touches on an environmental suit that it would file against China for its alleged destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea.

The environmental case, which will be filed before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, is expected to be completed in the next few weeks, and will include attachments containing evidence gathered by the Philippines, said Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV of the Department of Justice.