The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday called on the Chinese Embassy in Manila to exercise caution in its public statements, following a strongly worded remark that warned strained Philippine-China relations could “cost millions of jobs.”
In a message to reporters, the DFA said it took issue with the tone of the embassy’s recent statement, stressing that it appeared to suggest bilateral cooperation could be used as leverage or retaliation.
“However, we take strong exception to the Embassy’s tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation. In the current atmosphere, this framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” the agency said.
The DFA urged the Chinese Embassy to adopt a “responsible and measured tone” in future public exchanges.
The statement was issued in response to remarks made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, who reacted to Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s criticism of the embassy’s description of an adopted Senate resolution as “anti-China” and a “political stunt.”
In a social media post, Ji warned that any serious damage to diplomatic relations — including a possible downgrading of ties — could have economic consequences.
“Any serious damage to diplomatic relations, including downgrading of those relations, would cost millions of jobs. Are these senators prepared to personally compensate those for their lost incomes? Or is grandstanding easier when someone else pays the price?” Ji said.
The Senate measure in question, which drew heated debate during plenary deliberations, censures statements made by the Chinese Embassy against Filipino officials in connection with the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the exchange, the DFA emphasized its commitment to maintaining diplomatic engagement with China.
“The DFA remains committed to diplomacy to stabilize and advance our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding profound differences,” the agency added.