MANILA — Tensions between Manila and Beijing escalated further as the Chinese Embassy warned that Philippine lawmakers calling to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata would face retaliatory entry bans to China.
The diplomatic friction intensified after the embassy released a social media statement on Tuesday responding to a resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Senate Proposed Resolution No. 746 formally urges President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to either declare Jing persona non grata or request his official recall following controversial remarks regarding maritime tensions and the potential use of force.
“Since you don’t welcome us, we don’t welcome you, either. Fair enough,” the embassy stated online.
A persona non grata designation is a formal diplomatic measure indicating that a foreign official is no longer welcome, allowing the host country to request their removal.
The embassy dismissed the legislative push as recurring tactics from “anti-China forces,” noting in an earlier October 18 release: “Over the past 30 years, anti-China forces have been repeatedly doing the same thing to threaten our embassy. We are fed up with these old and low tricks. If they really want to do something, do it quickly and immediately, please.”
Reiterating the diplomatic principle of reciprocity, the embassy added: “While diplomacy is based on reciprocity, we will not welcome them to China. Simple and fair enough.”
Simultaneously, a collective of House representatives issued a joint statement accusing Ambassador Jing of displaying a pattern of arrogance, intimidation, and disrespect toward Philippine sovereignty, pointing to remarks suggesting Beijing’s military superiority.
“The Philippines must not be cowed into silence in the face of such arrogance,” the lawmakers declared, urging President Marcos to stand firm against external aggression.
“The Ambassador has clearly overstayed his welcome. We should no longer host a foreign envoy whose statements and conduct have shown disregard for our country’s sovereignty.”
The joint statement was endorsed by Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, Dinagat Islands Lone District Representative Arlene “Kaka” Bag-Ao, Akbayan Party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, Albay 1st District Representative Krisel Lagman, Pinoy Workers Party-list Representative Karl Fernandez Legazpi, and Las Piñas City Lone District Representative Mark Anthony Santos.
In response to the House members’ appeal, the embassy published another social media post featuring their names alongside the caption: “Put on record. You are now on the list.”
When media representatives requested clarification regarding the posts via Viber, embassy officials advised them to “take it as it is.”