MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned on Monday Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to convey the Philippines' serious concern and strong objection to his public statement which conveyed "a threat of the use of force."
Lazaro told Quan that his October 15 statement was "provocative and unacceptable, and does not contribute to creating understanding," the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA called out Jing for issuing a "thinly veiled threat of the use of force" in addressing the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China.
During a chance interview at the sidelines of the Second Diliman Dialogue on China-Philippines relations, Jing reportedly said that if the two sides were to become embroiled in conflict and confrontation, China "may easily win, but we will not use force, as we love peace."
Lazaro stressed that such language "aggravates an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermines the shared efforts of both countries to build mutual understanding and cooperation," the DFA said.
The Foreign Affairs department also said it "reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary."
"It is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates," it added.
"As a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression and a plurality of voices, and it will not accept attempts by a foreign envoy to intimidate those who exercise them," the DFA said.
Lazaro emphasized that sensitive issues were "best addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms, which preserve space for dialogue and engagement."
"The Department remains committed to candid dialogue and constructive engagement, in line with its mandate and the direction of the President," it said.
It will "keep open lines of communication with China and work to stabilize bilateral relations, especially in non-sensitive areas, while firmly upholding the country's consistent positions on important issues."
