MANILA warned that Beijing’s “escalatory and undiplomatic tone and language” in social media posts undermine efforts to improve bilateral relations, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the DFA reminded diplomats accredited to the country “to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements.”
The department earlier summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over his Oct. 19 remarks, saying that Beijing chooses peace but can “easily win” a military conflict with Manila.
Mr. Jing’s comments drew strong criticism from Filipino lawmakers, with several — such as Senators Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel and Erwin T. Tulfo — filing resolutions urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the DFA to declare him persona non grata. The Chinese Embassy responded with cryptic warnings to officials, saying they will be barred entry to China.
“Such statements are not conducive to good relations nor to the effective discharge of diplomatic functions,” the DFA said.
Despite ongoing tensions, Manila remains committed to improving bilateral relations with Beijing and continues to adhere to the One China Policy, the agency added, reiterating Manila reserves the right to take further diplomatic action against Mr. Jing and the Chinese Embassy in Manila if necessary.
In a separate statement, the embassy also affirmed Beijing’s continued commitment to managing differences with Manila through diplomacy but rejected characterizations of its recent social media posts as “undiplomatic.”
“[The Chinese Embassy] will not remain silent when China’s interests and dignity are undermined,” the embassy said. “This is the duty that [a] diplomatic mission must perform.”
Meanwhile, a report from Chinese Commercial News, a Chinese-language newspaper in the Philippines with ties to Chinese state media, said in Mandarin that Beijing is losing patience with Manila due to “recent China-related actions and remarks” and is considering ten countermeasures.
These include diplomatic sanctions, removing the BRP Sierra Madre from the Second Thomas Shoal and restricting Philippine travel to China. The other measures listed in the report were: stricter rules on Filipinos working illegally in mainland China, cutting off oil and fertilizer supplies, restriction of exports for essential goods and the closure of some Philippine consulates in China.
The article noted the measures have not been confirmed by Chinese authorities, adding there is no confirmation whether they have entered the Chinese government’s formal decision-making process.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila in a Viber message said it has “no comment” when asked about the report. — Francessca S. Abalos