The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is considering further diplomatic action in response to the latest social media posts of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which it described as escalatory and undiplomatic.
In a statement Thursday, the DFA reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to its One China Policy, while calling on all diplomats accredited to the country to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements.
The department said the embassy’s recent social media statements erode mutual trust and confidence and undermine efforts to stabilize and improve 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 department said the Philippines’ One China Policy is anchored on the 1975 Philippines-China Joint Communique, under which Manila recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China.
It added that the Philippines understands and respects Beijing’s position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.
The DFA said the country’s relevant regulations over the years reflect its consistent implementation of the policy.
Despite the latest tensions, the department stressed that the Philippines values its relations with China, adding that the embassy’s public statements do not reflect the longstanding spirit of constructive engagement between the two countries and their foreign ministries.
Such statements, it said, are not conducive to good relations or the effective discharge of diplomatic functions.
The DFA also reiterated its Oct. 15 statement and reserved the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary.
The diplomatic dispute escalated after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said on October 15 that China could “easily win” if it chose to use force, while insisting Beijing preferred peace.
The DFA summoned Jing on October 19 to formally convey the Philippines’ strong objection to his remarks.
The Chinese Embassy subsequently posted statements challenging Filipino lawmakers who called for the envoy’s expulsion, including one telling them to “STOP BLUFFING.”
