DFA hits Chinese embassy’s ‘escalatory, undiplomatic’ posts

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has called out the Chinese embassy for its “escalatory and undiplomatic” posts on social media, saying the  statements undermine efforts to stabilize bilateral relations.

“All diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting diplomatic envoys, especially on social media,” the DFA said.

“The recent public statements of the embassy do not reflect the longstanding spirit of constructive engagement between the two countries and the two foreign ministries. Such statements are not conducive to good relations nor to the effective discharge of diplomatic functions,” the DFA added.

The embassy has been posting warnings to Philippine officials who called for the expulsion of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the embassy said it does not accept the DFA’s public statements on the embassy’s response to Philippine officials’ criticizing Jing.

Badge of honor

Four of the 10 members of the House of Representatives tagged by the Chinese embassy as “anti-Beijing” have stood their ground and called the label a “badge of honor.”

Reps. Zia Alonto Adiong, Leila de Lima, Karl Fernandez Legazpi and Perci Cendaña said they have nothing to fear for standing up for the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines belied claims by the China Coast Guard (CCG) that the latest successful rotation and resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal had its permission.

“Who believes them? Each time they invent a new narrative, they invent narrative but nobody believes them,” said AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, retired rear admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.

Jiang Lue, CCG spokesperson, said in a statement posted by their embassy that the CCG “inquired and verified the Philippine vessel conducting the delivery, and monitored the whole process.”

Bait for retaliation

While he understands the furor among officials and lawmakers over the Chinese ambassador’s threatening remarks, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said it might actually be a ploy by Beijing to force the Marcos administration into taking drastic action against the diplomat to justify retaliation from China.

“I share their emotion,” Teodoro said, referring to officials, especially lawmakers who signed a resolution calling for the recall of Jing.

“But I don’t want to see the President’s hands tied to that resolution,” he told dzMM.

He said there’s more to  Jing’s behavior than plain arrogance. “It’s as if he’s daring us, he wants something to happen as part of a plan – like setting bait,” Teodoro said.

Embassy hits anti-China remarks

The Chinese embassy urged the Philippines yesterday to preserve bilateral ties.

In a message to the DFA, the embassy said: “Holding high-ranking elected officials accountable for reckless, inflammatory remarks and constantly smearing and maligning a neighboring country and urging them to watch their words and handle matters diplomatically is about preserving bilateral relations,” the embassy said. “It is not a failure of diplomacy.” –  Delon Porcalla, Andrew Ronquillo, Michael Punongbayan