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Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said that if China uses force against the Philippines, it can easily win. After the Philippines called for protests, China criticized the Philippines for suppressing the matter. Tension increased again between the two sides on the maritime dispute and Taiwan issue.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said in an interview on the 15th of this month that if China uses force against the Philippines, it can easily win. Jingquan’s comments were interpreted as a threat of force against the Philippines. The Philippine Foreign Ministry called on Jingquan on Monday to express “serious concern and strong protest.” Jing Quan countered that the Philippines had “taken quotes out of context, slandered and defamed” and filed a strict representation on the matter.
According to Reuters, Jing Quan was interviewed last week in response to the Philippine Defense Minister’s accusation that China was a “regional troublemaker”, saying that China “could easily win” in a confrontation with the Philippines, but that Beijing would not use force because “we prefer peace.”
The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on the 19th that Philippine Foreign Minister Hon. Theresa Lazzaro told Izumi that his comments were “provocative and unacceptable” and worsened the sensitive atmosphere between the two countries. Lazaro pointed out that sensitive issues should be resolved through existing diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms, leaving room for dialogue and negotiation.
In response to Jingquan’s previous comments, Philippine senator J.V. Ejercito said in an interview with Philippine media on Sunday that the Philippine Senate is considering passing a resolution to declare Jingquan “persona non grata.” Ejercito also said, “If China really wants to improve its relations with our country, it should replace him.”
After the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Jingquan, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued a press release on the evening of the 19th, stating that Jingquan “requested a meeting” with Philippine Foreign Minister Lazaro to lodge stern representations regarding recent comments made by Philippine officials and politicians in the context of defaming China.
The press release also asked the Philippines, “When the Philippines has committed at least 10 serious maritime violations and provocations in the past month, more than double the previous number, when anti-China politicians frequently threaten to label the Chinese ambassador as ‘persona non grata’ and pass anti-China resolutions, we see no ‘professionalism’ and ‘restraint’.”
Taiwan is also mentioned in a press release from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, saying, “The Taiwan issue is in China’s core interests. Recently, the Philippines has continued to show negative tendencies on Taiwan-related issues. China is highly concerned about this and has lodged serious representations. If the Philippines cannot respect China’s core concerns, should we still expect to receive similar respect from China?”
The press release also held Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro and others responsible for “deliberately and blatantly attacking and defaming China, creating an anti-China wave.” It demanded that the Philippines immediately take necessary steps to rein in anti-China politicians and people with ill intentions to prevent bilateral relations from turning into a dangerous conflict.
Summary FAQ
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In an interview, Jingquan said that China could easily win if it used force against the Philippines. Although he said Beijing would not use force, the Philippines still considered it a threat of force and an act of provocation, so it called on him to express grave concern and strong protest.
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The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said that Foreign Minister Lazaro had made it clear to Iquan that his statement was provocative and unacceptable and would worsen the sensitive bilateral environment, and stressed that disputes should be handled through existing diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms.
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China’s statement accused Philippine officials of quoting out of context, slander and defamation and criticized the Philippines’ recent maritime provocations and threats, labeling the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. The Taiwan issue was also mentioned in it and the Philippines was asked to rein in anti-China politicians.
