Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela has criticized the Chinese Embassy in Manila for warning of reciprocal action against Philippine officials who may be declared persona non grata in China.
In a social media post, Tarriela warned that failing to respond to the embassy’s statement could damage the Philippines’ standing in the international community and discourage smaller nations from standing up to powerful countries.
“I don't think China would dare issue a statement like this anywhere else in the world — one that directly challenges the authority of a sovereign host,” Tarriela said.
“We cannot let this pass!” he added.
“If we do, the international community will see us not merely as weak; worse, it will send a chilling message to smaller countries that no one can stand up to this bully, imperialist, and greedy (BIG) country!” he said.
Tarriela’s remarks came after the Chinese Embassy in Manila warned of reciprocal action following calls from some Philippine politicians to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata.
In a social media post on Sunday, October 18, the embassy said it was “fed up” with what it described as repeated threats against its diplomatic mission over the past three decades.
“While diplomacy is based on reciprocity, we will not welcome them to China,” the embassy said, urging those calling for the move to act “quickly and immediately.”
The embassy also accused some Philippine politicians of taking China’s statements out of context and distorting facts for political gain.
In a separate fact sheet detailing Jing’s remarks during the Second Diliman Dialogue in Manila on October 15, the embassy reiterated Beijing’s call for dialogue and careful management of bilateral relations.
“The Philippines can maintain good relations with both China and the United States; this is not a zero-sum choice,” Jing said, according to the embassy.
China also called for maritime disputes to be managed peacefully while both countries pursue cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and law enforcement.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over maritime disputes in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine government has repeatedly maintained that its maritime rights and entitlements are grounded in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and affirmed by the 2016 arbitral award.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated this position during his fifth State of the Nation Address in July, saying the Philippines would continue upholding the ruling through peaceful and legal means.
The 2016 award rejected the legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims insofar as they exceed its entitlements under UNCLOS. China has rejected the ruling.
The PCG, meanwhile, has consistently said it will continue protecting Filipino fisherfolk and asserting the country’s maritime rights through its presence and monitoring operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Tarriela has also emphasized that the government’s position is based on international law and that defending Philippine maritime rights does not mean seeking confrontation with China.
The Philippines has maintained that diplomacy remains its preferred means of resolving differences, while insisting that its sovereign rights and jurisdiction must be respected.
