Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a statement regarding calls to declare Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan persona non grata.
The president reportedly opposed the call, as Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the chief executive did not agree.
Beijing’s embassy in Manila had previously confirmed that Ambassador Jing was ready to leave the country if President Marcos ordered him to do so.
Several senators said they are considering filing a resolution recommending the President declare Chinese embassy officials as persona non grata in connection with the exchange of statements between government officials against the aggressive behavior of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea.
This follows the signing of a resolution by fifteen senators condemning China’s strong statements.
On Thursday, the Palace said that the president wanted to resolve the dispute through firm but diplomatic means.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had previously expressed concern over the declaration of the Chinese diplomat as persona non grata.
This was due to the possibility that this would lead to a downgrading of relations, and other counter measures.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Meeting in Cebu, the delegations of China and the Philippines held a bilateral meeting to discuss the finalization of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Among the issues discussed were bilateral relations, maritime issues, regional and international concerns, including emphasizing the importance of promoting diplomatic dialogue.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News