The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) strongly criticized recent statements from the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding the 2016 Arbitral Award concerning the West Philippine Sea. The DND labeled the embassy’s remarks as “insincere and duplicitous,” suggesting they reveal China’s underlying intentions toward the Philippines. The dispute centers on China’s continued assertion of sovereignty over areas in the South China Sea that were rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. The DND’s statement directly challenges China’s position and defends the validity of the arbitral ruling. This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations over territorial claims in the region. The Philippines views the Chinese response as dismissive of international law and detrimental to regional stability.