The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said it is considering various diplomatic options to respond to China's increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, including the possibility of declaring Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian persona non grata.

This comes after increasing calls from lawmakers to recall or expel the ambassador following a series of incidents that have strained relations between the two countries.

In a press briefing, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza acknowledged the public's concerns and emphasized that ambassadors are expected to "build bridges, enhance relations, and not strain relations."

However, she stressed that any decision to declare an ambassador persona non grata is a serious one with both intended and unintended consequences.

"It is something that has to be seriously considered," Daza said, adding that the DFA is aware of the calls from legislators for such action.

She clarified that the department is not actively recommending the declaration of Huang as persona non grata, but rather studying the feasibility and potential consequences of such a move.

"There is a whole range of diplomatic actions available to a country," Daza said, listing options like protests, summons and, at the extreme, declaring an ambassador persona non grata.

The DFA spokesperson emphasized the importance of careful consideration before taking any such action, acknowledging the potential consequences for both countries.

"When you do that, that is at a certain level already and they are both intended and unintended consequences, and that is a reason why a serious consideration should actually be undertaken," Daza said.

The DFA's statement comes amidst growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, with China engaging in activities that are seen as a violation of Philippine sovereignty.

In August, Huang was called persona non grata by the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan in Palawan for supporting the China Coast Guard's harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

On 10 December, Senator JV Ejercito reiterated his demand for the Chinese ambassador to be sent back home, citing the ambassador's recent remarks that have not helped ease tensions between the Philippines and China.