DFA tells China to watch tone after job-loss remark

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised alarm at the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s statement, attributing potential job losses in the Philippines to Manila-Beijing’s strained bilateral relations, urging it to be cautious in its tone and language.

The DFA argued that such rhetoric risks being perceived as “coercive” and undermines constructive dialogue, which the Philippines and China strive to promote amid an increasingly verbal row between Filipino officials and Beijing’s envoy.

“[W]e take strong exception to the embassy's tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation,” the DFA said late Monday.

Earlier this week, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng warned that any serious damage to Manila-Beijing’s diplomatic ties could cost the Philippines “millions of jobs.”

His statement followed a series of sharp rebuttals between Filipino senators and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, involving the so-called “anti-China” resolution adopted recently by the Senate, which denounced Beijing’s inflammatory remarks against lawmakers and Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela, over his critical statements and use of a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The embassy took offense at the caricature, calling it a “blatant political provocation” that had “crossed the red line.”

“Are these senators prepared to personally compensate those for their lost incomes? Or is grandstanding easier when someone else pays the price?” Ji said.

Senate President Tito Sotto previously proposed to declare Jing persona non grata in Manila, while Senators JV Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo called for his replacement, citing increased hostility between the Philippines and China under his tenure.

Ji has repeatedly ridiculed senators for their alleged ignorance of how diplomacy works, yet he argued, brazenly enough, to sabotage efforts to improve China–Philippines relations.

The DFA reminded China anew to “adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges,” saying the agency remains committed to promoting diplomatic dialogue notwithstanding Philippine-China diverging stances.

“The DFA values cooperation with all states across economic, cultural, and other domains, as it delivers clear benefits to the Philippines and its people.

Ji, in response, said the Chinese embassy is one with the Philippines to resolve their disputes through dialogue and consultation.

Nonetheless, he argued that this will not weaken their resolve to “oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred.”

In addition, Ji urged the DFA to double down on its efforts and remind Philippine officials to be cautious with their statements against China “to prevent any undermining or harm to ongoing diplomatic efforts.”