DFA SUMMONS CHINESE ENVOY OVER REMARKS SEEN AS THREAT OF FORCE AGAINST PHILIPPINES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Monday, October 19, to formally protest his remarks suggesting that China could easily prevail if it resorted to force, describing the statement as provocative and unacceptable.

In a statement, the DFA said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told Jing that his comments did not contribute to mutual understanding and could further strain the already sensitive diplomatic relationship between Manila and Beijing.

“Such language aggravates an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermines the shared efforts of both countries to build mutual understanding and cooperation,” the department said.

The diplomatic action followed Jing’s remarks during the Diliman Dialogues in Quezon City on October 15, where he was asked to respond to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s criticism of China’s conduct in the region.

“If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force and we love peace,” Jing said, adding that the region should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor.

The comments drew criticism from Philippine officials, who viewed the reference to the possible use of force as a threat amid continuing tensions between the two countries over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

On October 16, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the ambassador’s statement as something that “sounds very much to me like a threat” and said it was not appropriate diplomatic language. He also expressed the need for a direct discussion with the Chinese envoy to clarify the remarks.

The DFA had earlier urged Jing and other foreign diplomats in the Philippines to exercise greater restraint in their public statements, emphasizing that diplomacy requires tact and careful language, particularly when disagreements remain unresolved.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, meanwhile, rejected the Philippine government’s interpretation of Jing’s remarks, accusing officials of selective quotation and overinterpretation. Beijing has maintained that China values peace and that bilateral relations should not be defined solely by maritime disputes.

The latest exchange adds to the longstanding tensions between the Philippines and China over competing claims and activities in the South China Sea. Despite the disagreements, both governments have continued to emphasize the importance of communication and dialogue in managing differences.

The DFA said the Philippines would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with China while reserving the right to take further diplomatic action as necessary.