MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Monday to deliver a strong diplomatic rebuke following his recent contentious remarks regarding the West Philippine Sea.
The summons comes after Ambassador Jing publicly claimed that China would “easily win” if it resorted to military force in the disputed waters.
The Chinese Embassy also dismissed recent calls from Filipino lawmakers to declare the envoy persona non grata, taunting critics with a social media post that stated: “Some senators and house representatives are talking about declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. Is this threat or coercion? But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, STOP BLUFFING.”
During the meeting, DFA officials made it clear that the ambassador’s remarks crossed diplomatic lines.
“Secretary [Theresa] Lazaro told the Ambassador that the statement was provocative and unacceptable, and does not contribute to creating understanding,” the DFA stated.
“She stressed that such language aggravates an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermines the shared efforts of both countries to build mutual understanding and cooperation.”
The department further emphasized that foreign missions have no business publicly attacking domestic officials.
“It is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates,” the DFA said.
“As a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression and a plurality of voices, and it will not accept attempts by a foreign envoy to intimidate those who exercise them.”
Lazaro stressed that complex territorial disputes are best navigated through proper diplomatic channels rather than public provocation, affirming that the Philippines remains open to constructive dialogue while steadfastly protecting its national interests.
Meanwhile, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Malacañang is leaving the diplomatic fallout entirely in the hands of the DFA.
“Ang patungkol sa mga mensahe ngayon ng kinatawan ng bansang Tsina sa ating bansa at ibang mga salita na sa tingin ng Pangulo ay maaaring hindi na diplomatiko—ang ganitong usapin ay ipapaubaya natin sa DFA,” Castro said.
“Sila naman ay ang mandato naman nila ay makipag-ugnayan sa liderato ng ibang bansa upang kung meron mang gusto or anumang issue ay matugunan, again, in a diplomatic manner.”
Castro added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prefers maintaining stable diplomatic relations and avoids engaging in heated public exchanges, having previously rejected similar calls from lawmakers to expel Chinese embassy officials earlier this year.