Philippines criticizes Chinese envoy’s remarks on use of force

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs publicly criticized Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Thursday, October 15, saying his comments about China’s ability to prevail in a conflict could be understood as a veiled threat of force. The department urged diplomats to use greater care in public statements, as tensions persist between the two countries over the South China Sea. Jing made the remarks to journalists in Quezon City earlier Thursday. He said China might easily win if the two countries used force, but would not do so because China values peace. He was responding to a question about Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s description of China as a regional troublemaker, according to the reports. The Philippine foreign ministry described Jing’s wording as regrettable and unhelpful to bilateral relations. It said diplomacy requires tact and restraint to allow dialogue and engagement, and called on all diplomats accredited to the Philippines to take greater care with public statements so they do not further weaken mutual trust or hinder constructive engagement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday that Jing’s remarks sounded like a threat and...