MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Embassy in Manila expressed hope that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) "play a constructive role" in leading the efforts to manage differences between the two countries. Ji Lingpeng, Chinese embassy spokesman, on Thursday also hoped that the DFA would help "advance the overall bilateral relationship" between Beijing and Manila. He made the remark after DFA spokesman for maritime affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. urged the embassy to "be constructive" in its statements amid its word war with some legislators over the West Philippine Sea. Villanueva on Wednesday said that the DFA "values candid and vigorous debate with its foreign counterparts on important issues consistent with the Philippines’ democratic tradition." "While indeed the embassies have the duty to respond, the DFA urges that such responses be made in a calm and professional manner, conscious of the mutual respect that must prevail in all diplomatic interactions," he said. "As such, we urge the Chinese Embassy to be constructive in its statements towards a healthy dialogue despite major differences with a view to advance the overall bilateral relationship," Villanueva added. In a statement, Ji said, "A healthy dialogue between China and the Philippines requires constructive statements from both sides." "As such, we urge the Philippine side to speak with a unified and constructive voice," he added. Ji said the embassy "values candid and constructive dialogues with the DFA on the basis of mutual respect." "With our relentless efforts, political consultation between the two foreign ministries resumed after a yearlong hiatus," he said.