'We don't welcome you either': Chinese Embassy responds to persona non grata resolution vs. envoy

The Chinese Embassy in Manila responded to a resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros urging the declaration of its envoy as persona non grata, stating that if its diplomats are declared unwelcome, it will respond with equal treatment.

“Since you don’t welcome us, we don’t welcome you, either. Fair enough,” the Chinese Embassy wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday, attaching a copy of Hontiveros’ resolution.

In Senate Resolution No. 746, Hontiveros urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata or request the Chinese government to recall him.

Calls to declare the Chinese ambassador persona non grata grew following his remarks that Beijing could “easily win” if it resorts to force against the Philippines.

Malacañang previously stated that the President is disinclined to declare any foreign diplomat persona non grata, as he prefers to address international disputes through diplomatic channels.

“While Palace Press Officer Claire Castro has stated that the President does not wish to declare Ambassador Jing persona non grata at the moment, the Department of Foreign Affairs has also said that the Philippines reserves the right to take further diplomatic action, if warranted,” Hontiveros said in the resolution.

“Recognizing the primacy of the President in the conduct of the nation's foreign affairs, the Senate nevertheless wishes to express its disapproval of the undiplomatic conduct of a foreign envoy, to inform the President's exercise of the authority granted by the Constitution,” she added. — BAP, GMA News