The key facts

  • The Philippines summoned Chinese ambassador Jing Quan, calling his remarks 'provocative and unacceptable'
  • The ambassador said his words were taken out of context and filed his own protest
  • Beijing urged Manila to rein in the 'irresponsible statements' of politicians

Summons to the Philippine Foreign Ministry

Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro on Monday summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and expressed 'serious concern' over his recent remarks, which Manila assessed as containing a threat to use force. According to the foreign ministry, she called the ambassador's words 'provocative and unacceptable,' noting that such rhetoric aggravates an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermines efforts to build mutual understanding.

The essence of the conflict

The incident stems from remarks made by Jing on Thursday at an event in Manila in response to comments by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who called China a 'destabilizer' in the region. The ambassador rejected that characterization as 'nonsense' and said: 'If we wanted to use force, we could have easily won. But no, we will not choose force, we love peace.' On Friday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the statement 'sounds very much like a threat.'

Reaction of the ambassador and the embassy

According to the Chinese embassy's version, at Monday's meeting Jing accused Philippine officials of taking his words out of context. 'My message is that despite our capabilities, we do not intend to use force, because we are friends and close neighbors,' the embassy's statement said. At the same time, the ambassador warned that the Philippines should not perceive China's restraint in maritime disputes as weakness. He also filed a protest over 'attacks and distortions' by Philippine officials, including calls to declare him persona non grata, and stated that 'no one should expect the Chinese embassy to remain silent in the face of slander and attacks on China.'

Exchange of statements continues

The Philippine foreign ministry said Manila 'values freedom of expression and pluralism of views' and 'will not accept attempts by a foreign envoy to intimidate those who exercise it,' adding that a foreign mission should not publicly criticize Philippine officials and legislators. The embassy earlier criticized Senator JV Ejercito, who called on the ambassador to 'go home,' describing his words as 'political theater.' Lazaro stressed that sensitive issues are best resolved through diplomatic channels, but Manila 'reserves the right to take further diplomatic actions.'

Beijing's position and context

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that developing bilateral relations serves the interests of both countries and urged the Philippines to rein in, in her words, the irresponsible words and actions of certain politicians. In July, Beijing imposed sanctions on Defense Secretary Teodoro, accusing him of repeated irresponsible statements that harm China's interests. China and the Philippines have repeatedly clashed over overlapping claims in the South China Sea.