The Philippines may take further diplomatic action against China after the Chinese Embassy in Manila issued fresh statements criticizing several Philippine government officials.
In a series of social media posts on October 19, the embassy called on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to retract his remarks against China and apologize over the alleged wrongful detention of Chinese workers and persecution of Chinese language teachers.
The embassy also criticized Senator JV Ejercito and Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela in separate posts.
The latest remarks came after Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to convey the Philippines’ strong objection to his October 15 statement, which the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said implied a threat to use force.
Jing rejected the DFA’s interpretation, insisting that China had no intention of using force against the Philippines.
The DFA reiterated that the Philippines remains open to dialogue with China but reserves the right to take further diplomatic action if necessary.
