The Philippines summoned China's ambassador to protest remarks on the use of force amid a maritime dispute in the South China Sea. Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro called in Ambassador Jing Quan on Monday to express "strong objection" to his comments last week that "conveyed a threat of the use of force." Lazaro called the statement "provocative and unacceptable" and said it aggravates a sensitive bilateral atmosphere.
The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said developing and improving China-Philippines relations is in both countries' interests. She firmly opposed a handful of Philippine individuals playing up China-related issues and harming relations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the envoy's remarks sounded "like a threat" and were not diplomatic. Some senators considered declaring Jing persona non grata. The Chinese embassy in Manila dared lawmakers to make the declaration but warned of reciprocal action.
The Philippines rebuked the embassy, stating it is not the place of a foreign mission to taunt Philippine officials acting within their mandates. As a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression and will not accept attempts to intimidate those who exercise them. Relations have deteriorated in recent years as Manila bolstered its military alliance with the US to assert claims in the South China Sea.
Philippine and Chinese coast guard vessels have clashed in disputed waters. Marcos will protect Manila's rights in the West Philippine Sea diplomatically. The Department of Foreign Affairs will keep open lines of communication with China, Manila's top trading partner, to stabilize relations, especially in non-sensitive areas.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing