MANILA, Philippines — Journalists covering the defense department and Armed Forces of the Philippines who witnessed Chinese aggression against Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea took a stand against the statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Manila which maligned members of the media.
“The Defense Press Corps of the Philippines (DPC) takes exception to the statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which claims that Filipino reporters have limited comprehension, exaggerate facts, take things out of context, and intentionally create hype,” the DPC said.
The statement followed Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remarks last Oct. 15 that China could use force and defeat the Philippines if it wanted to, but had instead chosen peace. Filipino journalists reported the ambassador's remarks verbatim, the DPC said, stressing that the consequences of those statements were beyond their control.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila posted on Facebook on Oct. 17 that Philippine politicians and reporters “have very limited comprehension about facts” but are “good at exaggeration, taking things out of context, and creating hype.”
Although the embassy did not specifically name the DPC, the media group said its message was clear to journalists covering the WPS and relations between Manila and Beijing.
“Words have consequences. Every statement issued and every interview given carries consequences, whether intended or not,” the DPC said.
The DPC maintained that journalists played a critical role in bringing information to national and international audiences, allowing the public to assess developments and form informed opinions.
The group also invoked Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, which obliges states to refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and to settle international disputes through peaceful means.
“Peace and stability are nurtured through restraint, dialogue, and transparency,” the group said.
“True peace is not merely the absence of animosity or aggression. It also requires creating space for mutual understanding, something that cannot be achieved if China continues to shoot at the messengers.”
