Philippines Condemns Chinese Ambassador Over Threat of Force

The Philippines condemned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan after he stated that China "may easily win" a confrontation with Manila. The Philippine foreign ministry characterized the remarks as a "poor choice of words" and a "thinly veiled threat" of force.

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated the ambassador's words sounded like a threat that warrants a discussion with the envoy. The diplomatic friction followed comments from the Philippine defense secretary, who labeled China a regional "troublemaker."

The Chinese Embassy defended the ambassador, claiming he was selectively quoted and that the response from Manila was an "over-interpretation." The dispute occurs amid ongoing tensions over reefs and islands in the South China Sea located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.