The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to maintain a responsible and measured tone in public statements, expressing concern that recent remarks linking strained bilateral ties to possible job losses could affect constructive dialogue between the two sides.
In a statement on Monday night, the DFA said that it values cooperation with all states across economic, cultural, and other domains, noting that it delivers clear benefits to the country and to Filipinos.
“However, we take strong exception to the Embassy’s tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation,” the statement read.
“In the current atmosphere, this framing (of the issue) risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” it added.
This statement comes after Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng warned that significant disruptions to diplomatic relations could lead to severe economic consequences, potentially impacting jobs and livelihoods in the Philippines.
As a response, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima reminded Ji that he is in the Philippines, not China, after he hinted at economic sanctions in response to criticism from some government officials.
“The DFA remains committed to diplomacy to stabilize and advance our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding profound differences,” the department reaffirmed.
Earlier, Senators Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo called for the recall of the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, emphasizing that diplomats should work to improve relations.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed respect for Beijing’s decision about its envoy, noting that the decision to replace Ambassador Jing rests with China, as stated by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.
The Senate also adopted Resolution 37, with 15 senators criticizing a Chinese embassy official’s language as unprofessional, citing it undermined principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
