Manila: The Philippine foreign ministry on Monday summoned China's ambassador to express its serious concern and strong objection regarding recent remarks by the envoy that officials said conveyed a threat of the use of force.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned Ambassador Jing Quan and informed him that comments he made to the media the previous week were provocative and unacceptable, according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Jing had previously told reporters that China might easily win in a confrontation with the Philippines, though Beijing would not use force because it loves peace. His statements were made in response to a question concerning the Philippine defence secretary describing China as a regional troublemaker.
Diplomatic tensions between China and the United States ally have escalated in recent years, largely driven by standoffs and altercations between rival vessels in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims sovereignty over a vast majority of the waters. Manila has repeatedly accused the Chinese coast guard of aggressive behavior within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, while Beijing maintains that it is lawfully enforcing its authority against encroaching vessels.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the summons, though it stated last week that Ambassador Jing had been selectively quoted and that his remarks were over-interpreted.
During the meeting, Lazaro told Jing that his comments aggravated an already sensitive atmosphere between the two nations and undermined ongoing mutual efforts to build understanding and cooperation. She emphasized that sensitive issues should instead be addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms designed to preserve space for dialogue and engagement.