MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday rebuked the Chinese Embassy over what it called “escalatory and undiplomatic” social media posts, warning that the remarks undermine mutual trust and efforts to stabilize relations.
DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said foreign diplomats in the Philippines must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their positions, including on social media.
“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,” Ratonel said in a statement.
She added that the remarks were “not conducive to good relations nor to the effective discharge of diplomatic functions,” saying the Philippines reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as necessary.
The DFA also reaffirmed Manila’s adherence to the One China policy, saying it understands and respects Beijing’s position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory.
The latest rebuke follows Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro’s Oct. 15 summons of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over remarks that China could easily win if it used force but would not do so. Lazaro described the comments as “provocative and unacceptable.”
Lazaro also told Jing that foreign missions should not publicly criticize or taunt Philippine officials and lawmakers carrying out their official duties.
“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,”
