Courtesy: PCO
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed Friday he will summon Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan for an explanation after the envoy stated Beijing could “easily win” if it resorted to force against the Philippines.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard, Marcos described the remark as sounding very much like a threat and far from diplomatic language. “It deserves a discussion between Ambassador and myself,” the President said, adding he wants to clarify exactly what was meant by the statement.
The controversial remarks were captured in an interview where Jing stated: “If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not use force. We love peace.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has already urged the envoy to exercise greater restraint, calling the phrasing “a thinly veiled threat.” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos intends to engage Jing diplomatically and does not wish to damage bilateral relations, while remaining firm in protecting Philippine territory and interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Lawmakers have reacted sharply to the comments. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Vice Chairman Erwin Tulfo declared the Philippines would not back down, noting that the country’s commitment to peaceful settlement must never be mistaken for weakness.
Senator Risa Hontiveros went further, stating that a summons alone is insufficient and demanding a formal retraction and apology — with the ambassador declared persona non grata if none is forthcoming. She also called for the matter to be raised before ASEAN and the United Nations General Assembly.
metrosundaily
