The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday criticized Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over remarks that appeared to imply a veiled threat to use force, saying such language could undermine efforts to improve bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.

Jing made the comments while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the second Diliman Dialogues, organized by the Philippines-China Studies Center of Diliman College in Quezon City.

“If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not use force. You know, we love peace,” Jing said.

In a statement issued Oct. 15, the DFA stressed that diplomacy requires tact and restraint to keep communication and dialogue open despite differences in positions and perspectives.

“It is regrettable that Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan today had a poor choice of words that would seem to convey a thinly veiled threat of the use of force,” the department said.

The DFA added that such remarks were “hardly helpful” given the complicated bilateral ties between Manila and Beijing.

The department also urged all diplomats accredited to the Philippines to exercise greater care in their public statements to avoid further eroding mutual trust and confidence between countries.

It emphasized the importance of advancing dialogue and constructive engagement rather than making statements that could heighten tensions.

The Philippines and China have faced persistent tensions over their competing claims and activities in the South China Sea, making diplomatic communication a key factor in managing disagreements between the two countries.