Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and China’s Ambassador to the Philippine Jing Quan held a discussion on Monday, October 19, over Jing’s inflammatory remarks over South China Sea tensions last Thursday. Photo by DFA-OPD
Anna Mogato | October 19, 2026
MANILA — The Philippines’ foreign ministry on Monday summoned China’s ambassador after he issued what could be described as “veiled threats” even as senators proposed to declare him as “persona non grata”.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also considered Jing Quan’s statement to the media as a threat when asked to comment on the Chinese ambassador’s remarks.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conveyed its strong objection to the ambassador’s remarks when he had seemingly alluded to China threatening to use force over the disputed waters in the South China Sea.
Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro described Jing’s statements as “provocative and unacceptable, and does not contribute to creating understanding.”
“Such language aggravates an already sensitive bilateral atmosphere and undermines the shared efforts of both countries to build mutual understanding and cooperation.” the DFA statement said.
“It is not the place of a foreign mission to publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and legislators who are acting within their mandates. As a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression and a plurality of voices, and it will not accept attempts by a foreign envoy to intimidate those who exercise them.”
The foreign ministry also issued a warning to the Chinese ambassador.
“The department reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary,” it added.
At a university forum last week, Ambassador Jing said the Philippines should be thankful to have a neighbor such as China that could use force to settle disputes in the South China Sea, but never did because “[they] love peace.”
Secretary Lazaro has reminded the Chinese embassy not to publicly criticize or taunt Filipino legislators who called on the government to declare Jing persona non grata.
The DFA said that it remains committed to a candid dialogue and constructive engagement with China.
“It will keep open lines of communication with China and work to stabilize bilateral relations, especially in non-sensitive areas, while firmly upholding the country’s consistent positions on important issues,” the statement read.
At the Senate, Senator Erwin Tulfo, head of the powerful foreign relations committee, introduced a resolution, expressing serious concern over Jing’s remarks which suggested the potential use of force against the Philippines.
Tulfo’s resolution also urged the DFA to recommend to the appropriate authorities to declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata.
Tulfo said he viewed the “severity of his remarks and their implications for Philippine sovereignty, national dignity, and bilateral relations.”
In response, the Chinese embassy said Filipino officials and legislators should stop threatening the ambassador and instead declare him an unwanted guest of the Republic.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing remained committed to improving relations with Manila, which it considered a “friend” and a “good neighbor”.