The political coalition 1 Sambayan called on the national government to take more proactive actions in response to what it described as China’s “wolf warrior” rhetoric and disinformation.
“At a minimum, the government should consider declaring persona non grata any embassy spokespersons found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct,” the group said in a statement sent to Manila Standard.
“The Chinese Ambassador, who has maintained a notably low public profile, should likewise be formally summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs to account for these actions, clarify the embassy’s position, and be reminded of the obligation to refrain from interference in domestic affairs, consistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” it added.
The Chinese embassy in the Philippines earlier said it had filed a diplomatic protest over remarks and social media posts by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela on maritime issues and expressed “strong indignation” to Philippine authorities.
The Stratbase Institute, for its part, said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan’s call for restraint and de-escalation in the South China Sea misrepresents the situation and ignores China’s continued aggressive actions in the area.
In a statement, Stratbase said it is China—not the Philippines—that has consistently engaged in provocative and confrontational behavior, citing repeated water cannon attacks, dangerous maneuvers, ramming incidents, and the harassment of Philippine vessels that have damaged property and injured Filipino personnel.
“These are not isolated events,” the think tank said, describing the incidents as “well-documented, brazen, and persisting acts of aggression.”
Stratbase added that tensions escalate not because the Philippines defends its rights, but because China continues to violate them.
The institute also criticized the Chinese ambassador’s assertion that the South China Sea issue is only a portion of bilateral relations, saying such a view disregards the reality faced by Filipino fisherfolk who depend on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihood and survival.
“For Filipino fisherfolks, the West Philippine Sea is their entire life,” Stratbase said, noting that harassment and restrictions imposed on fishermen directly affect food security and daily survival in areas recognized under international law as belonging to the Philippines.
1Sambayan likewise urged the government to examine local media entities that may be used as platforms for foreign propaganda or disinformation.
It also sought a review of circulars issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government related to “sister city” and “sister school arrangements” with China.
“The Chinese Communist Party has clearly treated the public opinion space as a strategic arena of competition,” said 1Sambayan.
