The Philippines has summoned China’s ambassador to Manila after he said Beijing could “easily win” a conflict between the two countries, prompting calls from Philippine lawmakers for his expulsion.
Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro conveyed Manila’s “serious concern and strong objection” to Ambassador Jing Quan over his public remarks on October 15, which the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said amounted to a threat to use force.
The dispute follows a series of incidents involving the two countries’ militaries and coast guards in contested areas of the South China Sea.
China claims most of the strategic waterway, despite an international ruling that found no legal basis for its expansive claims.
Jing made the remarks last week after Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described Beijing as a regional “troublemaker”.
Speaking to reporters after a speech at a school in Manila, the Chinese envoy said the Philippines should “feel fortunate” to have China as a neighbour.
“If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force, and we love peace,” he said.
The comments prompted calls from politicians, including at least two sitting senators, for Manila to expel the ambassador.
In its statement on Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry described Jing’s remarks as “provocative and unacceptable”.
“The Department reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary,” it added.
Jing called for peaceful resolution
Earlier, speaking at the Second Diliman Dialogue in Manila, Jing called for a peaceful approach to maritime disputes, urging both sides to maintain a safe distance, avoid deliberate provocations and prevent incidents from escalating tensions.
He said China and the Philippines should manage their differences through dialogue and consultation, warning against a cycle of reciprocal countermeasures.
Jing also argued that maritime disputes should not define the entirety of bilateral relations, pointing to continued trade, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in other areas.
“We must not allow a small group of people, backed by forces from outside the region, to steer bilateral relations into a dangerous and uncertain course, or even toward confrontation and conflict,” he said at the dialogue.
