The key facts

  • Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said China 'could easily win' but would not use force because 'we love peace'
  • The Philippine Foreign Department called the words 'a poor choice of words,' President Marcos — 'very much like a threat'
  • Beijing said its position on relations with Manila is unchanged, and the embassy called the reaction an 'overinterpretation'

Exchange of statements between Manila and Beijing

The Philippines and China exchanged sharp remarks following comments by the Chinese ambassador about the possible use of force. On Thursday, Manila condemned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan for saying that Beijing could 'easily win' in a confrontation between the countries, calling it a 'thinly veiled threat' of the use of force.

What the ambassador said

According to Anadolu, on Thursday Jing Quan told journalists that China 'could easily win' if it wanted to use force, but stressed that Beijing would not do so because 'we love peace.' He was responding to remarks by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who characterized China as a regional 'troublemaker.'

Manila's reaction

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, as reported by the state agency PNA, said the ambassador made 'a poor choice of words,' which is 'hardly helpful' amid complicated bilateral relations. On Friday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Jing's remark 'sounds very much like a threat' and requires discussion with the ambassador.

Beijing's response

At a briefing of China's Foreign Ministry on Friday, official spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing's position remains unchanged: 'China's position on improving and developing relations with the Philippines is clear,' adding that Beijing hopes for a 'full and accurate understanding' of this in Manila. The Chinese Embassy in Manila said Jing's words were quoted selectively and characterized the Philippine reaction as an 'overinterpretation.'

Context

China and the Philippines have repeatedly clashed over disputed reefs and waters of the South China Sea, including areas that Manila considers part of its exclusive economic zone.