MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Embassy in Manila hit back at lawmakers who are threatening to declare the Chinese envoy to the Philippines persona non grata.
This comes after Sen. Risa Hontiveros said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoning the Chinese ambassador for a discussion on his recent statement of using force against the Philippines was not enough and that he should be declared persona non grata.
In a social media post on Friday evening, the embassy dared the government to proceed with the expulsion.
“Some senators and House representatives are talking about declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata,” the embassy said.
“Is this threat or coercion? But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, stop bluffing,” it added.
It can be remembered that Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said that China could “easily win” against the Philippines if it chooses to use force in the West Philippine Sea.
