Philippines government, Chinese embassy urged: Talk, don’t post

MANILA, Philippines — Instead of exchanging tirades on social media, the Philippine government and the Chinese embassy should sit down and talk to settle issues, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said.

“We hope that they sit down and talk, instead of quarreling on social media,” FFCCCII president Victor Lim told reporters yesterday during an education event in Quezon City.

He said the raging word war between Chinese ambassador Jing Quan and some Philippine officials has left businesses bearing the brunt of unabated oil price hikes and high inflation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara was present during the event where he personally acknowledged the contribution of the FFCCCII in building at least 6,500 classrooms.

“Of course, with this kind of action, it will really affect the economy, our export to China will be affected, our import from China will be affected also,” Lim added.

Lawmakers have filed resolutions seeking to declare Jing persona non grata over his remarks suggesting that China could easily win if it resorts in asserting its illegal claim in the West Philippine Sea.

“We hope it will calm down so that our economy will be moving. Right now, the oil prices are too high and then the inflation is high, of course, our businesses are being affected. I hope it won’t affect us. I hope we will calm down,” Lim said.

He noted that the country will host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits which will be held in Metro Manila from Nov. 15 to 17.

The Chinese embassy announced that certain officials and personalities are prohibited from visiting China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier summoned Jing to convey the Philippines’ strong objection to his remarks, which Foreign Affairs Secretary Thereza Lazaro described as “provocative” and “unacceptable.”