The Philippine foreign ministry summoned China’s ambassador on October 19, 2026, protesting remarks that Manila said conveyed a threat of military force. Ambassador Jing Quan previously told media that China “may easily win” in a confrontation, triggering sharp diplomatic protests and calls from local lawmakers for his expulsion.
Diplomatic friction between Manila and Beijing intensified sharply after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan told media that China “may easily win” in a confrontation with the Philippines. Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro called in the envoy to deliver formal objections, describing his comments as provocative and damaging to bilateral stability.
Secretary Lazaro Demands Accountability at the Department of Foreign Affairs
During the meeting at the foreign ministry, Lazaro told the ambassador that his remarks had aggravated an already tense atmosphere in the region. The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that the envoy’s comments conveyed a threat of the use of force. The diplomatic summons follows a string of maritime confrontations between coast guard vessels from both nations in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Remarks of Spokesperson Ji Lingpeng of the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Comment from the U.S. Embassy in Manila regarding China’s Test Launch of a Missile2026-07-07Q：In a statement on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said China’s “provocative missile…
China’s embassy in Manila last week said Jing had been selectively quoted and his remarks overinterpreted. He maintained that Beijing would not use force because “we love peace.”
If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force, and we love peace.
Senators Clash Over Expulsion Calls and Ambassadorial Taunts
The ambassador’s remarks provoked immediate outrage among lawmakers in Manila. Several senators demanded his expulsion and urged the government to declare him persona non grata. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito posted a video message addressing the envoy in Mandarin, telling him that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines and urging him to go home.
The Chinese Embassy responded sharply to the legislative threats, issuing a public statement on social media challenging lawmakers to follow through on their warnings.
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday rebuked the embassy, stating it is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates.
Beijing Lashes Out at Regional Critics and Defense Officials
The diplomatic crisis broadened as Beijing criticized Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who described China as a regional troublemaker. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Chen Xi accused a small number of Philippine politicians of fabricating anti-China rhetorics to reap selfish political gains.
A small number of Philippine politicians care only about their selfish interests. They are trying to gain political influence by taking an extreme anti-China position, arbitrarily engaging in military buildup and seeking power by creating the rhetoric of ‘external threats,’ and trading for foreign support by making a mess and stirring up troubles in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning echoed those sentiments during a daily press briefing, stating that Beijing firmly opposed what she termed the malicious hyping of China-related issues by some individuals.
Navigating Alliances
The escalating verbal conflict highlights how domestic political rivalries in the Philippines intersect with foreign policy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strengthened military ties with the United States and adopted a firmer stance against Chinese coast guard actions since taking office in 2022, reversing the more accommodating approach of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro affirmed that the administration will continue to protect national rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic channels.
