The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday dismissed the need for a Senate resolution seeking to declare one of its diplomats persona non grata amid an ongoing word war with Philippine officials.
Embassy counselor and spokesman Ji Lingpeng said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. alone has the authority to make such a declaration, stressing that it should apply to Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan if ever pursued.
“As Ambassador, he bears responsibility for all words and actions of the Chinese embassy,” Ji said in a statement.
He added that if the Philippines intends to expel any Chinese diplomat, it should include the entire media and public diplomacy team.
“Please do include myself and the entire 12-member media affairs and public diplomacy team. As a team, we stay or leave, together,” Ji said.
The Senate earlier suspended action on a resolution approved by 15 senators seeking to declare Chinese embassy deputy spokesperson Wei Guo persona non grata. Wei heads the embassy’s media and public diplomacy section.
Ji reiterated that Ambassador Jing’s appointment and removal rest solely with the two heads of state.
“There is but one person who has the authority to ask Ambassador Jing to leave, and that is President Marcos,” he said, adding that the envoy would comply immediately if ordered.
“But he would do so with immense pride and honor, knowing that through his actions, he has fulfilled the firm commitment a Chinese diplomat makes to his country,” Ji added.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, urged restraint in public statements related to foreign affairs, warning that “reckless statements and intemperate rhetoric” could harm bilateral relations and undermine the country’s national interests, particularly on sensitive maritime issues.