Several Philippine senators have condemned the statements of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, emphasizing the country's unwavering resolve to protect its sovereignty amid maritime disputes.
Several Philippine senators have firmly rejected the recent remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan suggesting that China could easily defeat the Philippines if it resorted to armed conflict. The statements, perceived as threats, have drawn strong denouncements from Filipino lawmakers who emphasize the nation’s commitment to upholding its sovereignty through peaceful and lawful means.
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Vice Chairman Erwin Tulfo declared that the Filipino people’s resolve must never be mistaken for weakness, underscoring that the Philippines will not tolerate any form of bullying, either by words or force. He recalled the nation’s history of defending its territory against foreign invaders despite limited resources, asserting that the country stands ready to protect its sovereignty again if necessary.
Senator Risa Hontiveros characterized Ambassador Jing’s comments as a form of “gray zone aggression”—a diplomatic tactic intended to intimidate and coerce without escalating to outright war. She called for China to be held accountable and demanded a formal retraction and apology. Should Beijing fail to do so, she recommended declaring the ambassador persona non grata and raising the matter at ASEAN and the United Nations General Assembly to garner wider international support.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed plans to summon Ambassador Jing for clarification, describing the remarks as undiplomatic and threatening. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has also urged the ambassador to exercise greater restraint in his public statements.
The controversy arises amid ongoing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines continues to assert its rights through legal and diplomatic channels. The Filipino government and its officials remain steadfast in defending national sovereignty while advocating for peaceful resolution and respect for international law.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1006122/senators-ph-won-t-back-down-despite-chinese-envoy-s-threats/story/
