MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña on Thursday warned that China’s alleged consideration of retaliatory measures against the Philippines could further escalate tensions between the two countries, following a report that Beijing was weighing sanctions and possible cuts in oil and fertilizer supplies.
“If true, these alleged retaliatory actions are a serious escalation from the Chinese government. Filipinos simply chose to stand up for their rights and sovereignty,” Cendaña told The Manila Times.
“It is very disappointing that the Chinese government would contemplate an inordinately harsh response to Filipinos' calls for accountability from a Chinese diplomatic official,” he added.
The lawmaker’s remarks came following news that China was reportedly considering 10 possible countermeasures against the Philippines, including sanctions on Filipino politicians, reductions in oil and fertilizer supplies, and the removal of the grounded Philippine warship at Ayungin Shoal.
The reported measures come amid a diplomatic dispute over Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remarks that China could “easily win” a conflict with the Philippines if it resorted to force, although he said Beijing preferred peace.
The envoy's comments prompted Philippine officials and lawmakers to call for accountability, with some urging his expulsion.
Cendaña, who was one of the legislators at the House of Representatives who called out the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s “undiplomatic language taunting our government”, also warned that the alleged retaliatory actions could embolden local political figures willing to compromise the country’s sovereignty for political gain.
“We should also take note that these kinds of utterances not only escalate tensions between our two countries but also emboldens cynical political actors in the Philippines who are willing to undermine our sovereignty to gain political power,” he said.
The verbal tussle between the parties has intensified following calls by lawmakers for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to consider expelling Jing over his remarks and the Chinese Embassy’s subsequent retributive statements directed at Philippine officials advocating the move.
