Philippines warns China Embassy over social media posts

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs criticized the Chinese Embassy’s latest social media statements on October 22, calling their tone escalatory and undiplomatic and warning that Manila could take further diplomatic action. The DFA said the posts eroded mutual trust and confidence and undermined efforts to stabilize and improve relations between the Philippines and China. It did not specify what measures it might take, saying it reserved the right to act as it deemed necessary. The department also urged all diplomats accredited to the Philippines to exercise restraint and responsibility in public statements, particularly on social media. The reminder echoed a DFA statement issued October 15 calling for restraint in diplomats’ public communications. The embassy’s posts followed remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on October 15 about China’s use of force in its disputes with Manila. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned Jing on October 19 over those remarks, which the Philippine government had described as provocative and unacceptable. In subsequent social media posts, the embassy criticized Philippine officials and lawmakers. The dispute intensified after...