Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over force remarks

Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan told reporters on October 15 that the Philippines “should feel fortunate” China does not use force in maritime disputes, adding that Beijing “may easily win” if it chose to do so but would not because it loves peace.

The Department of Foreign Affairs called the remarks provocative and unacceptable, saying they aggravate an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermine efforts to build mutual understanding and cooperation.

“It is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned Ambassador Jing on Monday, October 19, and told him it is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators acting within their mandates.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had said on October 16 that the remarks deserved a discussion between himself and the ambassador, but it remains unclear why he did not summon Jing personally. Marcos had previously summoned the envoy in July 2026 over similar media comments.

The Chinese embassy pushed back against the DFA with a statement and against Marcos with a vaguely worded tweet asking, “Is this a threat?” alongside a longer clip of the interview.

Jing also referenced conflicts in Gaza and Venezuela involving Israel and the United States while omitting other major wars, including Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Israel-US conflict with Iran.

The embassy emphasized the importance of dialogue in Asia, including Southeast Asian negotiations with China over a South China Sea code of conduct.