MANILA — Malacañang announced on Monday, October 19, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly rejected calls to declare Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan persona non grata, opting instead to pursue continued diplomatic engagement despite what the Chief Executive previously termed as “threat-like” and “not very diplomatic” remarks.
Speaking during a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that while the administration respects the strong opinions and sentiments expressed by senators and other government officials, the President prefers a measured and non-confrontational approach.
“Alam natin ang pananaw ng Pangulo, hindi po niyang nanaisin na magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng pagdedeklara kahit kanino pa man na representative ng ibang bansa dito sa ating bansa,” Castro said, explaining that the President is mindful of how his actions and words can heavily impact the nation.
The diplomatic friction follows sharp exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Filipino officials, underscored by the ambassador’s recent statements suggesting that Beijing could “easily win” if it resorted to force. In response to the provocative comments, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned the Chinese envoy on the same day to formally convey the Philippine government’s “serious concern and strong objection.”
Despite the ongoing word war, Castro emphasized that President Marcos maintains the view that bilateral relations between Manila and Beijing “remain good,” and that the DFA should be left to handle the necessary diplomatic steps.
“Nananatiling maayos sa mata ng Pangulo, sa mata ng administrasyon at kung mayroon man mga isyung ganito, hayaan natin po ang DFA tumugon kung ano ang dapat na hakbang para mas maging maayos pa ang pakikipag-usap sa bansang China,” Castro stated.
Furthermore, the Palace official noted that while the executive branch remains committed to protecting the country’s sovereign rights and territory in the West Philippine Sea without initiating aggression, the administration also supports ongoing probes into businesses or foundations allegedly receiving foreign funding, provided there is solid evidence.
”Kailangang maimbestigahan ang dapat na imbestigahan, mga negosyo, mga foundation na diumano ay nagkakaroon ng pondo mula sa ibang bansa. Kung may ebidensya, dapat maimbestigahan. Iyan ang focus na dapat nating makita na mensahe ng Pangulo,” Castro concluded.