DFA calls out Chinese Embassy for ‘escalatory and undiplomatic’ socmed posts

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday called out the Chinese Embassy in Manila for its “escalatory and undiplomatic” posts on social media, saying the statements “erode mutual trust and confidence, and severely undermines the efforts to stabilize and improve bilateral relations.”

“All diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting diplomatic envoys, especially on social media,” the DFA also said in its statement.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila’s X account has recently been active to apparently counter remarks of Philippine officials related to the controversial statement made by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan.

Jing drew heavy criticism from Philippine lawmakers after saying on October 15 that Beijing could easily win against Manila if it chose to use force, but he also said China would not do so and would instead maintain peace.

The Chinese Embassy has defended the ambassador, saying his remarks were taken out of context.

The DFA said that while it values its relations with China, the recent public statements of the embassy “do not reflect the longstanding spirit of constructive engagement” between the two countries. 

“Such statements are not conducive to good relations nor to the effective discharge of diplomatic functions,” it said.

“The DFA likewise reiterates that it reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary.”

The embassy said Wednesday on X that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro “is openly challenging the one-China principle.”

Teodoro had shared a post on Facebook which indicated “Taiwan is self-governed.”

“We want to know what is the response of DFA,” it said.

The DFA stressed Thursday that it “reaffirms the Philippines’ continued adherence to its One China Policy, anchored on the 1975 Philippines-China Joint Communique.”

“It underscores our consistent position that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government of China, and that we fully understand and respect the position of the Chinese Government that there is but one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.”

“Throughout the years, the Philippines’ relevant regulations reflect the country’s unwavering implementation of its One China Policy.”