DFA rebukes Chinese Embassy over socmed posts

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has criticized the Chinese Embassy in Manila over what it described as “escalatory and undiplomatic” social media posts, warning that the statements could undermine efforts to improve bilateral relations.

In a statement Thursday, the DFA said the embassy’s public remarks erode mutual trust and confidence between the Philippines and China and do not reflect the longstanding spirit of constructive engagement between the two countries.

“All diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting diplomatic envoys, especially on social media,” the department said.

The Chinese Embassy’s X account has recently issued posts responding to remarks by Philippine officials, following the controversy surrounding Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s statement on Oct. 15 that Beijing could easily defeat Manila if it chose to use force. Jing also said China would not resort to force and would instead maintain peace.

The embassy has defended the ambassador, saying his remarks were taken out of context.

The latest exchange also involved Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who shared a Facebook post indicating that Taiwan is self-governed. The Chinese Embassy accused Teodoro of openly challenging the One-China principle and publicly asked the DFA to respond.

The DFA reiterated the Philippines’ adherence to its One China Policy, anchored on the 1975 Philippines-China Joint Communique.

It said the Philippines recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and understands and respects Beijing’s position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory.

The department added that Philippine regulations have consistently reflected the country’s implementation of its One China Policy.

In a post on X Thursday afternoon, the Chinese Embassy welcomed the DFA’s reiteration, describing it as timely and necessary to prevent what it called attempts by certain forces to undermine China-Philippines relations by using the Taiwan issue.

However, the embassy rejected the DFA’s criticism of its social media statements, saying it would not remain silent in the face of what it described as attacks and smears against China.

While maintaining that it was committed to managing differences with the Philippines through diplomatic channels, the embassy said defending China’s interests and dignity was a duty of its diplomatic mission.

The DFA, meanwhile, said it reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary.