Senate eyes censure of Chinese envoy over ‘we can easily win’ remark

National

REMARKS by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan suggesting China could easily defeat the Philippines by force have put diplomatic relations under renewed strain, prompting senators to consider a formal resolution condemning his statements.

Senator JV Ejercito said senators had discussed the proposed resolution and could act when Congress resumes session on Nov. 9.

“Maybe when we resume session [on Nov. 9], there can already be a resolution. Because the Chinese ambassador’s remarks were really not good anymore, they’re no longer diplomatic,” Ejercito told radio dzBB, as quoted by Inquirer.net

The controversy erupted last Thursday when Jing said China could easily win through force but preferred peace, responding to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s description of China as a regional troublemaker.

President Marcos said the statement sounded like a threat, while the Department of Foreign Affairs called it a “thinly veiled threat.”

Ejercito said Jing was worsening tensions instead of helping resolve the longstanding maritime dispute and called on Beijing to replace the envoy if it was serious about improving relations. He stressed that Manila did not want war but expected China to respect Philippine sovereignty.

The Senate discussion followed a Chinese Embassy Facebook post on Friday challenging lawmakers seeking to declare Jing persona non grata.

“Otherwise, STOP BLUFFING,” the embassy said.

In a separate statement on Sunday, the embassy said Beijing remained willing to improve bilateral ties and address disagreements through dialogue.

Citing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, it urged Manila to understand China’s position accurately and avoid allowing outside forces to push relations toward confrontation.

However, the embassy also warned that more Philippine officials would be barred from entering China if Manila declared Jing persona non grata, invoking diplomatic reciprocity.

The dispute widened after the embassy criticized Filipino politicians and journalists for allegedly exaggerating statements and taking them out of context, without identifying specific individuals or reports.

Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña accused Beijing of arrogance toward its neighbors, citing its actions against Filipino fishermen and its responses to diplomatic protests.

Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano called for a review of the government’s policy on water cannon use during maritime confrontations and urged authorities to assess its lawful and proportionate application. He also pushed for funding air and sea drones to monitor Philippine waters.

The Defense Press Corps condemned the embassy’s criticism of journalists, saying its members had accurately reported Jing’s remarks and documented maritime incidents during trips to the West Philippine Sea.

Citing Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, the group said countries must refrain from threatening or using force and settle disputes peacefully, warning against efforts to “shoot at the messengers.”(MyTVCebu)