Philippines summons China's envoy over war remarks in sea dispute
Manila formally protested after Ambassador Jing Quan said China could easily win a conflict with the Philippines. Calls for an apology and a Senate move to declare him unwelcome have followed.
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What happened
The Philippine government summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to protest remarks it views as a threat of force, after he said Beijing could easily win a conflict with Manila. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told him the comments were provocative. The latest development is a second Senate resolution seeking to declare him persona non grata, or unwelcome, in the Philippines.
Why it matters
The remarks have further inflamed long-running tensions between the two countries over the South China Sea.
Timeline
- Oct 19, 4:05 AM ET: Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan his comments were provocative and could further strain relations, as Manila summoned him.
- Oct 19, 10:40 PM ET: Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the envoy's remark about defeating the Philippines in a conflict does not seem to match his government's strategy.
- Oct 20, 2:17 AM ET: A second Senate resolution was filed to declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata in the Philippines over the remarks.
- Oct 20, 4:56 AM ET: Malacañang said an apology cannot be forced, while Tarriela had earlier said the envoy should at least apologize to the Filipino people.
Coverage
- Beijing tightens grip on South China Sea as Uncle Sam’s eyes gaze toward Middle East (heartlandernews.com)
- Apology can't be forced, Palace says in wake of Chinese envoy's remarks (gmanetwork.com)
- Luistro wants 'peaceful avenue' in addressing conflict with China amid concerns on ambassador (abs-cbn.com)
- 2nd Senate resolution filed to declare China envoy unwelcome (abs-cbn.com)
- PCG’s Tarriela: Chinese envoy’s threat may not reflect Beijing policy (Chalssea Kate Echegoyen)
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