Philippines rebukes Chinese envoy over ‘thinly veiled threat’

The Philippines has chided China's ambassador for what it interpreted as a "thinly veiled threat" of force, after Beijing's envoy said his country would prevail in a confrontation between them.

The Philippine foreign ministry said on Friday that Ambassador Jing Quan’s comments to journalists a day earlier were a “poor choice of words” and unhelpful given the complexity of bilateral relations.

Jing said China “may easily win” in a confrontation with the Philippines but would not resort to force because “we love peace”.

He was responding to a question about Philippine Defence Secretary’s description of China as a regional “troublemaker”.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Friday that the ambassador’s remarks “sound very much like a threat” and warranted a discussion with the envoy.

The Chinese embassy said Jing had been selectively quoted and described Manila’s reaction as an “over-interpretation”. It added that bilateral relations were at an “extremely sensitive stage”.

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China’s foreign ministry said Beijing’s position on improving and developing relations with Manila was clear, urging the Philippine side to understand it “accurately and comprehensively”.

The latest exchange comes amid persistent tensions over disputed reefs and islands in the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The two countries’ coast guards have repeatedly faced off in the contested waters.

The Philippines, a US defence ally, has increasingly challenged China’s activities in the strategic waterway, where competing territorial claims have fuelled repeated confrontations.