Defense reporters reject Chinese's embassy swipe at Filipino journalists

The Defense Press Corps (DPC) on Sunday rejected remarks made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Filipino journalists, whom it said have “very limited comprehension” and are only “creating hype.”

The Chinese Embassy issued the statement after reports quoted Ambassador Jing Quan as saying that while China could easily win if it used force against the Philippines, it chooses peace instead.

“Some Philippine politicians and reporters have very limited comprehension about facts,” the Chinese Embassy Manila wrote on Facebook.

“But they are good at exaggeration, taking things out of context, and creating hype,” it added.

The DPC—the reporters on the defense beat—pointed out that reports of the Chinese Ambassador’s statement about choosing peace were reported verbatim, and its “political fallout is neither within the control nor the responsibility of journalists.”

It added that Filipino reporters consistently practice balanced reporting by always seeking the Chinese side’s response to every issue.

“Filipino reporters regularly sail and fly over the West Philippine Sea, where they have witnessed and experienced Chinese aggression at sea,” the DPC said.

“At the same time, we have consistently sought the Chinese side’s response to every issue, including water cannon attacks, collisions, and new remarks from Philippine government officials, in the spirit of fair play and balanced reporting,” it added.

The group also emphasized the challenge of operating without a free press, and noted the provisions under Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, which obliges states to refrain from using force and to settle disputes by peaceful means.

“Let us remember that under Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, states are obliged to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, and to settle international disputes by peaceful means,” the DPC said.

The group added that reaching true peace takes mutual understanding—something that won't happen if China keeps “shooting at the messengers.” — BM, GMA News