DFA: Sort out issues thru dialog, not public discourse
- Chinese exec says ready to leave if PBBM gives notice
- Kalayaan LGU declares China envoy persona non grata
Declaring officials of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines persona non grata remains a last resort option, Malacañang said Thursday after the embassy said the President needs only to send notice and Beijing’s ambassador and his 12-member public diplomacy team will leave the country immediately.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier floated the idea of declaring certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata following a heated public exchange between Chinese and Filipino officials over the West Philippine Sea issue.
The local government unit of Kalayaan in Palawan on Tuesday also passed a resolution declaring Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan as persona non grata within its municipal jurisdiction.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro on Thursday referred to the position of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which underscored that a persona non grata declaration is among the most severe diplomatic actions a government can take against foreign diplomatic personnel.
The DFA also appealed for space to perform its mandate through dialogue and consultation with foreign counterparts, rather than through public discourse.
“While it is within the limit of the DFA, such an action is an option of last resort, second only to downgrading of relations,” the DFA said, adding that such move could trigger reciprocal actions or countermeasures in other areas, with long-term implications for the Philippines’ strategic interests.
For this reason, the DFA said such decisions should not be made lightly and must be guided by clear assessment and preparedness for their broader impact.
It said it remains in direct communication with the Chinese government on bilateral and international issues of importance to the Philippines, including concerns raised in recent public discussions.
On Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy, in a social media post, said it would continue to defend its position amid growing tensions over the West Philippine Sea issue.
“There is no need to go through such trouble (Senate passing a resolution). They could simply declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata — that would be the most straightforward approach. As ambassador, he bears responsibility for all words and actions of the Chinese Embassy,” embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said.
“In the Philippines, there is but one person who has the authority to ask Ambassador Jing to leave, and that is President Marcos. If he were to receive such notice from President Marcos, he would depart immediately. But he would do so with immense pride and honor, knowing that through his actions, he has fulfilled the firm commitment a Chinese diplomat makes to his country.”
“Even if the embassy were to be closed, we would continue, without hesitation, to push back slanders and smears against China through various channels. That is the most basic duty of Chinese diplomats,” Ji added.
As this developed, Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun of Zambales said strong public distrust of China and its perception as the country’s greatest external threat affirm President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm and consistent stance in defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
Khonghun pointed to the latest OCTA nationwide survey which found 79 percent of respondents identified China as the country’s biggest external threat while 60 percent of Filipino adults believe the Philippines should not trust China.
“The numbers are very clear. This is no longer a fringe view or an elite position. When a strong majority of Filipinos express distrust and see China as the country’s biggest threat, leaders have a duty to listen and act responsibly,” said Khonghun, who is from a province on the West Philippine Sea seaboard.
“These findings should inform our national conversation. They show that Filipinos across regions and income groups are united in their concern. Our policies must reflect that unity while remaining grounded in law, diplomacy, and the protection of livelihoods,” the lawmaker added. With Rex Espiritu
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Palace: ‘Persona non grata’ tag on Chinese envoys ‘last resort’”
