The Philippines should be grateful to have China as a neighbor. If we were to use force, it is entirely possible that we could win easily. But we will not use force, because we love peace.
Recently, in an interview with Filipino media, regarding the absurd statement by Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro of referring China to be a “troublemaker” in the region, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan made the above statement.
Unexpectedly, the sincere statement made by the Chinese ambassador led to excessive reactions from some politicians in the Philippines. Philippine President Marcos described it as a “virtually undisguised threat of force.” Several anti-China politicians threatened to label the Chinese ambassador as an “unwelcome person.” Notable anti-China figures such as Teodoro and Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Tariella continued to make provocative statements.
On October 20th, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines posted a so-called joint statement on the X platform, in which 9 Filipino congressmen demanded Marcos to ‘seriously consider’ expelling Ambassador Jing Quan. The statement was accompanied by a warning: ‘Recorded. You are now on the list.’
On the same day, Filipino Senator Lisa Hontiveros asked Marcos to declare Ambassador Jingquan as a 'unwelcome person', or to request his recall by China. The Chinese embassy responded without hesitation: 'Since you don’t welcome us, we won’t welcome you either. It’s quite fair.'
On the 21st, another Filipino congressman joined the list, bringing the total number to 10. The Chinese embassy responded: “Okay, we’ve added them to the list. As you wish.”
On October 19th, Ambassador Jing Quan met with Filipino Foreign Minister Lazaro at his request. She expressed her serious concerns about the recent statements by Filipino officials and politicians who have misinterpreted and slandered China. Ambassador Jing Quan pointed out that if anyone were to carry out slanderous attacks against China, there should be no expectation that the Chinese embassy would remain silent.
"When Ms. Phe's actions were near-constant, constituting at least ten serious violations of international law and provoking a dramatic escalation, with each incident more than twice as severe as before, when anti-China politicians routinely threaten to label Chinese diplomats as "unwelcome," and when we see no signs of professionalism or restraint during this process of introducing resolution bills targeting China." Ambassador Wei said.
Source photo: Chinese national flag and Philippine national flag. Philippine ABS-CBN news website
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Claire Castro, a spokesperson for the Philippine President's office, stated on the 21st local time that President Marcos would not prevent the House of Representatives and Senate from carrying out efforts to classify the Chinese ambassador, Jing Quan, as an 'unwelcome person'.
Reports say that in addition to the resolution submitted by 10 members of the House of Representatives, the Senate has previously submitted two similar resolutions.
Castro stated that she "understands" why the lawmakers are calling for action, and Marcos "still intends to protect national sovereignty."
Castro also said, "As far as this matter is concerned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already expressed its position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also does not like the response from the Chinese ambassador. Therefore, regardless of any calls or actions taken by the Senate and Congress, the President will not intervene."
This differs from what Castro said on the 19th.
Castro said on the 19th that Marcos "still does not wish to announce any foreign diplomats as 'unwelcome people'", and that "the president will not take action outside of diplomatic channels."
Castro said that Marcos still believes that relations between the Philippines and China are "good." "If such problems arise, let us allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond and determine the appropriate steps to further improve dialogue with China."
However, Ambassador Jing Quan pointed out during his formal representations to the Philippine side on the 19th that the Philippines expressed a desire to “reset” Sino-Philippine relations. But what exactly is the Philippines’ policy towards China? What practical actions have been taken? When negative events occur one after another and cause substantial damage to bilateral relations, where does this diplomatic approach of the Philippines actually manifest?
