MANILA, October 19 (Reuters) – The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned on Monday the Chinese ambassador to express its “serious concern and strong objection” regarding the statements by the diplomat, interpreted as a threat to use force.
Ambassador Jing Quan told the press last week that China “could easily prevail” in a confrontation with the Philippines, but that Beijing would not use force because “we love peace.” He was responding to a question about the Philippine secretary of defense describing China as a troublemaker in the region.
The Philippine Foreign Secretary, Ma. Theresa Lazaro, told Jing that his remarks were “provocative and unacceptable” and would aggravate the tense mood between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Delicate issues should be addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms that reserve space for dialogue and engagement, she said.
Diplomatic disputes between China and the Philippines, allies of the United States, have become more frequent in recent years, usually due to stand-offs and confrontations between rival vessels in the South China Sea, over much of which Beijing claims sovereignty.
Manila accused the Chinese coast guard of aggressive conduct in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, while Beijing insists that it is enforcing the law against vessels that are invading its territory.
Asked about the summons and the calls by some Manila lawmakers for Jing’s expulsion, China said on Monday that it firmly opposes what it described as “malicious exaggeration” of China-related issues by certain individuals.
“The Philippine side should take concrete steps to curb such words and irresponsible actions by certain politicians,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a daily press briefing.
Mao also stated that improving bilateral relations would benefit both countries.
The Chinese embassy in Manila had said last week that Jing had been selectively quoted and that his remarks had been exaggerated in interpretation.
