MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) the issue of whether Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian should be declared persona non grata, following calls from some lawmakers and a strongly worded statement from the Chinese Embassy.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains committed to resolving disputes with China through diplomatic channels while firmly defending the Philippines’ territorial rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea.

The Palace was asked to respond to the Chinese Embassy’s statement questioning calls to declare Huang persona non grata, including its remarks about threats, coercion, and bluffing.

Castro urged Filipinos to focus on the President’s position that engagement with foreign governments, including China, must remain diplomatic.

She emphasized that the Marcos administration would not retreat from protecting the country’s rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea, but would pursue its position without aggression.

“Hindi uurong ang ating gobyerno sa pagpapaprotekta at paglaban sa ating karapatan sa ating teritoryo at sa interes natin sa West Philippine Sea nang walang agresyon,” Castro said.

She added that concerns involving statements from Chinese representatives that may be considered undiplomatic should be addressed through the DFA.

According to Castro, the foreign affairs department has the mandate to communicate with other governments and resolve diplomatic disagreements.

Asked directly whether Malacañang supports declaring Huang persona non grata, Castro declined to provide a definitive position.

“Ibibigay po natin ang katanungan na iyan sa Department of Foreign Affairs,” she said, adding that the DFA was expected to issue a statement on the matter.

Castro also said she had not received details about a possible meeting between Marcos and the Chinese ambassador, despite the President’s earlier remarks on the importance of dialogue.

She said the DFA would likely provide information on any planned engagement.