Philippines summons Chinese envoy over remarks on force
Manila called in Ambassador Jing Quan after he said Beijing could easily win a conflict, and the envoy later denied threatening the Philippines.
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What happened
The Philippine government summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to protest remarks it views as a threat of force. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told him his comments were provocative and could further strain relations. Jing Quan had said Beijing could easily win a war with the Philippines and that Manila should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbour, and he later denied threatening the country.
Why it matters
The remarks have further inflamed long-running tensions between Manila and Beijing, and officials say the relationship is already sensitive. The Palace says it still hopes to preserve ties with China.
Timeline
- Oct 19: Ambassador Jing Quan says Beijing could easily win a conflict with the Philippines, prompting Manila to summon him.
- Oct 19: Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro tells Jing Quan his comments were provocative and objects strongly to them.
- Oct 19: Jing Quan denies threatening the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela calls for an apology to the Filipino people.
Coverage
- Filipinos deserve an apology from Chinese envoy, says Tarriela (abs-cbn.com)
- Chinese envoy denies threatening Philippines after saying a war may be easy to win (South China Morning Post)
- Philippine government protests Chinese ambassador's threat of force (AP)
- Chinese envoy summoned over ‘provocative’ warning Beijing could ‘easily win’ conflict with Philippines (Yahoo News)
- Philippines summons China's envoy to ‘strongly object’ to remarks conveying 'threat' (Hindustan Times)
- Palace hopes to preserve ties with China amid diplomatic tension (Philippine News Agency)
- Lazaro summons China ambassador Jing, says it's not his place to taunt PH officials (rappler.com)
- Defense reporters reject Chinese's embassy swipe at Filipino journalists (gmanetwork.com)
- Marcos administration not seeking to downgrade ties with China, Palace says (filipinotimes.net)
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