DFA summons Chinese envoy over remarks on use of force

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to formally protest his remarks suggesting China could easily win a confrontation with the Philippines if it resorted to force, amid continuing tensions between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro conveyed the Philippines’ “serious concern and strong objection” to Jing over his public statement on Oct. 15, the DFA said.

Lazaro described the remarks as “provocative and unacceptable,” saying they aggravated an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermined efforts to build mutual understanding and cooperation.

The controversy stemmed from Jing’s remarks to reporters in Quezon City on Oct. 15, when he said: “If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not use force. You know, we love peace, and in this region, we enjoy the peace.”

The comments drew criticism from Philippine officials, who viewed them as an implied threat.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the statement sounded like a threat and was not diplomatic, adding that the matter warranted a discussion with the Chinese envoy. 

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also described the remarks as a threat, saying they should not be taken at face value.

In its statement on Monday, the DFA said foreign missions should not publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and lawmakers 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,” the department said.

The DFA also stressed that sensitive issues should be addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms to preserve opportunities for dialogue.

The dispute comes amid strained Philippine-China relations, particularly over competing claims and repeated confrontations in the South China Sea, including waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone that Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.

Jing, speaking at the Second Diliman Dialogue on Oct. 15, had described bilateral ties as being at an “extremely sensitive and critical juncture.” 

He urged both countries to avoid allowing maritime disputes to define their entire relationship, pointing to areas such as trade and people-to-people exchanges where cooperation could continue.

The Chinese Embassy has pushed back against the criticism of Jing’s remarks, accusing Philippine officials of misinterpreting his comments. 

In a separate post responding to calls by some lawmakers to declare the envoy persona non grata, the embassy said: “STOP BLUFFING.”

Despite the latest diplomatic protest, the DFA said Manila would keep communication lines open with Beijing and pursue cooperation in non-sensitive areas while firmly upholding the country’s positions on key issues.