Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over remarks it says threatened force

Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese ambassador Jing Quan in Manila on October 19 to object to remarks the foreign ministry said conveyed a threat of force, according to Reuters. The meeting turned a dispute over the envoy’s public comments into a formal diplomatic protest.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Lazaro conveyed its ‘serious concern and strong objection’ and called Jing’s comments to the media the previous week ‘provocative and unacceptable’. It said the language aggravated an already sensitive relationship and undermined efforts by both countries to build understanding and cooperation.

What Jing Quan said about a confrontation

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the summons. It had said the previous week that Jing was selectively quoted and that his remarks had been over-interpreted. That response leaves the meaning of his comments disputed even as Manila has formally objected to them.

Why Manila summoned the ambassador

Rappler reported that the ministry also said it was not a foreign mission’s place to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators acting within their mandates. Lazaro said sensitive issues should be handled through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms that allow room for dialogue.

The summons follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier statement that Jing’s remarks warranted a discussion with him, as covered in [NewsJaws’ report on the proposed meeting]. The October 19 meeting was conducted by Lazaro. The ministry said it reserved the right to take further diplomatic action, without specifying a step.

The exchange comes amid recurring confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. Manila has accused China’s coast guard of aggressive conduct inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone; Beijing says it is enforcing its laws against vessels encroaching on territory it claims. Those disputes make the wording of official exchanges consequential for both governments.