In diplomatic speak, this is actually very strong language.
As an example one of the most extreme diplomatic phrases would be “x country has committed an unfriendly act”
Where do you think the saying “diplomatically speaking” comes from?
When the words you say can end in people dying or economic ruin, it makes you somewhat strongly consider exactly which words you should say.
In order to avoid… more aggressive negotiations from occurring.
The fact that their statement is clearly committing them to removing the barrier is strong language especially with the military power imbalance between the Phillipines and China.
China in the South China Sea is a bit like a 4 year old seeing what they can get away with.