Amid the continued tension in the West Philippines Sea, the United States and China congratulated the Filipinos on the celebration of its independence on Thursday.

"Congratulations to the Philippine people on their Independence Day!" Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said in its Facebook post as the country celebrates its 127th Independence Day anniversary.

In pursuit of freedom and independence, Huang said overseas Chinese have fought in various wars not only for China but also for other nations including the Philippines.

"As Chinese, we too learned the value of independence the hard way?emerging from World War II with hard-won lessons and sacrifices," he said.

"Did you know that overseas Chinese have fought in various wars throughout history in pursuit of freedom and independence ? not only for China but also for other nations, including the Philippines?," Huang added.

As he hopes that "the Philippine flag continues to wave proudly" in the commemoration of its day of independence, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya reiterated that "Japan will continue to work with the Philippines in upholding peace, freedom, and democracy."

In his Independence Day message, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reaffirmed the United States "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines under its over seven decades old treaty.

"The steadfast friendship between the United States and the Philippines is rooted in our long history, marked this year by the 80th anniversary of our shared sacrifice that led to victory in World War II. Today, common interests, shared democratic values, mutual economic benefit, and bedrock people-to-people ties reaffirm our bilateral relations. Recent strides in security collaboration and energy, among many other areas, reflect the mutual priority we place on enhancing our relationship," he said.

"As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in its ironclad commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty. We are committed to working alongside the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies to achieve our shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity," he added. Robina Asido/DMS