Chinese embassy to Filipino lawmakers: ‘You are now on the list’
MANILA (UPDATED) – The Chinese Embassy in Manila issued aggressive statements on Tuesday amid renewed calls from several Philippine lawmakers to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan “persona non grata”.
In a statement apparently referring to the resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros, the embassy said, “Since you don’t welcome us, we don’t welcome you, either. Fair enough.”
Hontiveros earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 746, the second proposal seeking the ambassador’s expulsion, which could pave the way for his recall or departure from the country.
Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Hontiveros said the Philippines may declare a foreign envoy persona non grata without having to explain its decision, obliging the sending state to recall the diplomat or terminate his functions.
In another statement apparently directed at some House lawmakers who criticized the embassy’s remarks, the embassy warned, “Put on record. You are now on the list.”
It did not say what the “list” is.
The nine lawmakers are: Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendaña, Rep. Leila de Lima, Rep. Chel Diokno, Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman, Rep. Karl Legazpi, and Rep. Mark Anthony Santos.
The nine House lawmakers earlier urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reconsider expelling Jing, describing the embassy’s statements as “undiplomatic language” that undermines serious dialogue between the two countries.
They also expressed concern over the ambassador’s remarks invoking China’s ability to use force against the Philippines, calling on the President to stand firm against what they described as “further Chinese aggression.”
Adiong, in a statement, said the embassy’s “list” consists of those who stand against China’s “pattern of intimidation, aggression, and disrespect.”
“Then yes, I am proud to be on it,” he said. “Hindi lang pala sa West Philippine Sea ang panggigipit ng Tsina — pati na rin sa larangan ng diplomasya. Buong tapang ko itong tinututulan.”
The Akbayan partylist, in a statement, said it considers as an honor that its lawmaker-members Diokno, Cendaña, Ismula, and Bag-ao, along with Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, “are on the Chinese government’s list of perceived enemies, a regime that has long suppressed its own citizens who dare to fight for democracy.”
“Being in Beijing’s crosshairs pales in comparison to the oppression, intimidation, and violence inflicted on our fisherfolk and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea,” Akbayan said. “We will wear this designation with pride. We will not be intimidated into silence, nor will we waver in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national integrity.”
De Lima, meanwhile, described the Chinese embassy’s post as a “brazen threat”.
“They are so pathetic in asserting their baseless claims in the WPS that they resort to harassment and hostile acts.,” she said in a statement.
“If that list pertains to those who refuse to kowtow to their lies and propaganda, then I will be honored and proud to be on the list. Wala akong balak magpatanggal ng pangalan sa listahan ng mga naninindigan para sa ating soberanya at pambansang dangal,” she added. “Tutal may palista-lista pa silang nalalaman, baka gusto nilang ilabas na rin yung listahan naman ng mga tahimik lang sa panggigipit nila, mga sunud-sunuran at mga tagapagtanggol nila?”