MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned on Monday, October 19, Chinese ambassador Jing Quan days after Beijing’s envoy said Manila should be “fortunate” that China does not use force in its disputes.

“Secretary Lazaro told the Ambassador that the statement was provocative and unacceptable, and does not contribute to creating understanding. She stressed that such language aggravates an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermines the shared efforts of both countries to build mutual understanding and cooperation,” read part of a Department of Foreign Affairs statement.

In an interview with media, Jing reacted to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s statement that it was Beijing and not Manila that was a troublemaker in the region. After speaking about the importance of dialogue and cooperation, Jing said: “We should feel fortunate enough that you have a neighbor like China in this region. If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we’ll not use force. We love peace.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a chance interview on October 16, said Jing’s remarks “deserves a discussion between the ambassador and myself” when asked if he would summon the envoy.

It is unclear yet why Marcos decided not to summon Jing himself — although there had been a sentiment, even within the DFA, that it would be best for Lazaro to summon the ambassador instead. Jing was only recently summoned by Marcos — in July 2026, also over remarks made in a media interview.

“It is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates. As a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression and a plurality of voices, and it will not accept attempts by a foreign envoy to intimidate those who exercise them,” said the DFA of Jing and Lazaro’s meeting.

Lazaro, according to the media release, “emphasized that sensitive issues are best addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms, which preserve space for dialogue and engagement.”

“The Department remains committed to candid dialogue and constructive engagement, in line with its mandate and the direction of the President. It will keep open lines of communication with China and work to stabilize bilateral relations, especially in non-sensitive areas, while firmly upholding the country’s consistent positions on important issues,” said the DFA.

Over the weekend, Philippine politicians have criticized Jing and the embassy, with some even calling for his expulsion or declaration as persona non grata. Only the President can expel a diplomat assigned to the Philippines.

In response, the embassy has dared legislators to push through with this calls — again, even if it’s only Marcos who can make such a declaration.

“The Department reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary,” the DFA said, without giving specifics.

Lazaro was joined by DFA’s senior leaders in her meeting with Jing.

In a briefing on October 19, Palace Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos valued “diplomacy” especially in defending its rights, entitlements, and interests in the West Philippine Sea. She did, however, concede that the embassy’s latest statements were seemingly no longer diplomatic.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has amped up its rhetoric since Jing took over in December 2025. The embassy, through its spokesperson, have constantly been engaging in online word wars with spokespersons and officials of the Philippine government.

Maritime rows are at the center of tensions between Manila and Beijing. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including an area Manila calls the West Philippine Sea. For Filipino maritime frontliners, China’s claims mean having to deal with harassment and even harm out at sea.

Beijing does not recognize the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, which validated the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and deemed Beijing’s supposed historical claim invalid. – Rappler.com