The Philippines has urged diplomatic restraint following comments by China’s ambassador suggesting Beijing could easily prevail in a military conflict but prefers peace. The remarks highlight rising tensions between Manila and Beijing over contested areas in the South China Sea, particularly the Scarborough Shoal.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan made the statement on Thursday during a South China Sea conference in Quezon City, rejecting labels that portray China as a "troublemaker" in the region. Addressing recent diplomatic friction, including the departure of Chinese language teachers from the Philippines amid security concerns, Jing accused critics of trying to foment hostility between the two countries. He said, “If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we’ll not use force. We love peace,” emphasizing China’s preference for peaceful relations.
The Philippines swiftly condemned the ambassador’s comments, describing them as a “poor choice of words” that amounted to a veiled threat of force, which could undermine delicate bilateral ties. The Philippine foreign ministry also issued a warning to all foreign diplomats in the country to exercise caution in their public statements to prevent deterioration in mutual trust and bilateral dialogue.
In response, the Chinese embassy accused Manila of “selective quotation and overinterpretation,” asserting that the Philippine reaction revealed persistent challenges in effective communication. The embassy called on the Philippines to adopt a more responsible approach in managing the relationship.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. characterized Ambassador Jing’s remarks as “very much… like a threat” and “not a very diplomatic statement.” He said he intended to seek clarification on the precise meaning of the comments. China’s foreign ministry reiterated Beijing’s commitment to improving bilateral relations and expressed hope that the Philippines would “understand it accurately and comprehensively.”
The dispute centers on the Scarborough Shoal, a coral atoll referred to as Huangyan Dao by China and Panatag Shoal by the Philippines. Although Beijing has maintained effective control over the shoal since 2012, Manila claims it lies within its exclusive economic zone. The area has been a flashpoint for multiple confrontations, including recent incidents where Philippine aircraft were reportedly driven away by Chinese forces. Both sides also exchanged accusations earlier this month over a medical evacuation near Second Thomas Shoal, another contested maritime feature where a Philippine naval vessel has been grounded for decades.
Ambassador Jing acknowledged the complexity of the relationship, describing it as “at an extremely sensitive and critical juncture” marked by strained maritime disputes alongside sustained bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasized the need for tailored diplomatic strategies that address specific issues across various fields to manage the bilateral relationship effectively.