MANILA — The Philippines has warned that it may take further diplomatic action against China as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the Chinese Embassy in Manila for its increasingly confrontational social media attacks, accusing the diplomatic mission of undermining efforts to repair strained relations between the two countries.
In a strongly worded statement Thursday, the DFA rebuked the embassy over its public exchanges with Philippine officials and lawmakers, warning that its hostile rhetoric was eroding diplomatic trust and threatening efforts to stabilize bilateral ties.
“The escalatory and undiplomatic tone and language used in the latest social media statements of the Chinese Embassy erode mutual trust and confidence, and severely undermines the efforts to stabilize and improve bilateral relations,” the department 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,” it added.
The unusually sharp rebuke came amid escalating verbal exchanges between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials over Beijing’s actions and policies, further complicating relations already strained by territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
The controversy intensified following a series of Facebook posts by the Chinese Embassy criticizing Philippine officials and lawmakers who had spoken against Beijing.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan also drew condemnation over reported remarks suggesting that China could easily prevail in a military confrontation with the Philippines should Beijing decide to use force.
The DFA stressed that foreign diplomats accredited to the Philippines must observe diplomatic decorum and exercise restraint in their public pronouncements, including those made through social media.
“All diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting diplomatic envoys, especially on social media,” the department said.
The foreign affairs department also signaled that Manila was prepared to consider additional diplomatic measures should circumstances warrant further action.
It did not specify what measures could be undertaken.
The warning underscores Manila’s growing concern that the Chinese Embassy’s public statements could further aggravate tensions and undermine diplomatic channels intended to manage disagreements between the two countries.
Despite its criticism of the embassy, the DFA reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to the One China Policy under the 1975 Philippines-China Joint Communique, emphasizing that Manila’s official position on the issue remains unchanged.
“It underscores our consistent position that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government of China, and that we fully understand and respect the position of the Chinese Government that there is but one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory,” the DFA said.
The department added that Philippine laws and regulations have consistently reflected the country’s commitment to the policy.
The reaffirmation highlighted Manila’s effort to distinguish its longstanding diplomatic commitments from its objections to the conduct of Chinese diplomats.
The latest confrontation places renewed pressure on diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing, with the DFA making clear that efforts to improve bilateral ties must be accompanied by mutual respect and responsible diplomatic conduct.
The dispute also raises questions about whether the increasingly combative public exchanges will further weaken efforts by both governments to manage their differences through established diplomatic channels./PN
