Marcos to summon Chinese envoy over ‘threatening’ remark

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to summon Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to clarify remarks suggesting China could easily defeat the Philippines in a military conflict, describing the statement as sounding like a threat.

Marcos said Friday that the ambassador’s comments were inappropriate for a diplomat, stressing the need to discuss what Beijing intended to convey.

The President made the remarks after attending the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard, where he was asked about Jing’s statement that China could easily win if it chose to use force against the Philippines.

Jing made the comments Thursday following a speech at a school in Manila, a day after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described China as a regional “troublemaker.”

The Chinese envoy urged the Philippines to consider itself fortunate to have China as a neighbor, adding that Beijing would not resort to force because it favored peace. He also rejected Teodoro’s characterization of China and accused Manila of harassing Chinese workers and teachers, but did not provide specific examples.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed concern over the ambassador’s choice of words, saying the remarks appeared to convey a veiled threat to use force and were unhelpful given the complex relationship between the two countries.

The diplomatic exchange comes amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims much of the strategic waterway despite a 2016 international arbitral ruling that rejected the legal basis of its expansive claims under international law.

Philippine and Chinese vessels have repeatedly faced off in disputed waters in recent years, with some encounters resulting in collisions and injuries.

Marcos said a meeting with Jing would provide an opportunity to clarify the ambassador’s statement as Manila continues to navigate its relations with Beijing amid persistent maritime disputes.