(UPDATE) CALLS to expel Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan mounted over the weekend as anger grew over Chinese Embassy remarks daring lawmakers to declare the envoy persona non grata.
Former Surigao del Norte representative and governor Robert Ace Barbers on Saturday called on Jing to leave the Philippines immediately and criticized the Chinese Embassy remarks.
“He should go back to China immediately,” Barbers told The Manila Times.
Barbers also mocked Jing’s declaration that China “loves peace,” citing years of confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, including water cannon attacks on Filipino vessels, the use of machetes against Filipino soldiers, and the ramming of Philippine ships.
Barbers said he was “totally charmed and disarmed” by the ambassador’s “sweet remarks,” questioning whether Filipinos should feel reassured by China’s claims of peaceful intentions despite its actions at sea.
He accused the envoy of abusing Philippine hospitality and challenging the country’s sovereignty, warning Filipinos against accepting what he described as China’s provocative posture.
Barbers also took aim at lawmakers he accused of remaining silent over Jing’s remarks, referring to them as “DDS” (die-hard Duterte supporters) and “Tsina-tors.”
“I am also not surprised that the DDS and the Tsina-tors are firmly exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to remain silent in the face of this most blatant and in-your-face challenge of sovereignty,” he said.
The controversy began after remarks by Jing were reported, where he asserted that China could “easily win" against the Philippines if it chose to “use force” in the West Philippine Sea but would not do so because “we love peace.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Coast Guard officials, and lawmakers viewed the comment as a direct, undiplomatic threat against the country.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said merely summoning the ambassador was insufficient and demanded a formal apology, raising the possibility of declaring him persona non grata.
In response to lawmakers considering his expulsion, the Chinese Embassy in Manila posted a sharp rebuttal on social media:
“Some senators and House representatives are talking about declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. Is this threat or coercion? But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, STOP BLUFFING.
The public-dare-stoked lawmakers' anger. Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña condemned the taunt as disrespectful and arrogant behavior from a foreign envoy, citing it as the breaking point to formally demand his immediate deportation.
“An arrogant, obnoxious visitor. How long are we going to tolerate this? This Chinese ambassador should be sent home,” Cendaña said in a social media post.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan said: “By way of diplomatic language, you can please easily leave Manila and go back to China.”
Hontiveros said the Chinese envoy’s statement was meant to intimidate.
“An ambassador who threatens his host country has crossed a line,” she said.
Following Marcos’ announcement that he intends to meet with Quan, the Chinese Embassy said Quan welcomes the opportunity to speak with the president.
“Ambassador Jing looks forward to exchanging views on certain important and sensitive issues with the president. Especially how to prevent some individuals from pushing bilateral relations into a dangerous situation,” the embassy said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously warned that declaring a diplomat persona non grata is an "option of last resort" that carries heavy diplomatic and reciprocal consequences.
“It also carries tremendous implications moving forward, such as reciprocal action or other countermeasures in other areas,” the DFA said.
