‘China won’t be silent, will push back if defamed’

MANILA, Philippines — China will “push back firmly without hesitation” against the spread of fake news demeaning to Beijing, according to its new top diplomat in Manila who also exhorted members of the media to “uphold objectivity and fairness.”

The Chinese embassy in Manila has been publicly attacking Philippine officials for statements opposing China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea. China has one of the world’s most restrictive media environments, relying on censorship to control information in the news, online, and on social media.

Speaking for the first time at a Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Chinese embassy under his leadership Tuesday, Ambassador Jing Quan vowed he will firmly safeguard China’s national interests and dignity while serving as a bridge to ensure that Philippines-China relations move toward stability rather than deterioration.

Jing, who has been in the county for over a month, said he has heard both good and bad news and rumors spreading to “demonize” China.

“We welcome constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes, but we oppose groundless attacks and smears,” Jing said during the reception.

“If fake news are spread, if China is defamed or if hatred is incited, we will not remain patient and silent. We will push back firmly without hesitation. This is our duty. We have every legitimate right to let the public be aware of the basic facts and China’s position,” he said.

He reminded the media that it shoulders an important responsibility in documenting events, transmitting information and opinions, and shaping public perception.

“I hope that our friends in the media will always uphold objectivity and fairness, allow the public to hear authentic voices from all sides, not just one side, and play a positive role in promoting China-Philippines friendship and improving bilateral relations,” he added.

The ambassador said he believes the Philippines and China have the ability and wisdom to properly manage differences and maritime disputes.

Diplomats from the two sides, he said, are working together and have already reached preliminary consensus on a “roadmap” for the next dialogue and negotiation.

“This year, the Philippines is chairing the ASEAN. Both sides hope to accelerate the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea we call COC. To this end, consultations are becoming more frequent and more intensive,” Jing said.

“Even if we cannot reach a solution quickly, it’s essential for us to keep communication channels open, refrain from provocative or confrontational actions, and prevention tensions from escalating,” he said.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno and their colleagues in the minority bloc denounced yesterday China’s warning Filipino officials to stop discussing about the West Philippine Sea or “pay the price.”

“The warning is a reckless escalation that directly threatens the Filipino people. No state has the authority to threaten officials of another sovereign country for speaking publicly about verified developments within their own maritime domain,” they declared in a manifesto.

Remarks made by Philippine officials are “grounded in documented events, conveyed in the exercise of official duty, and consistent with international law, including the binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” they said. – Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano