The Philippines is reserving the right to take further diplomatic action amid the Chinese Embassy’s social media posts criticizing Philippine officials and lawmakers.
In a statement dated October 22, the Departmet of Foreign Afairs said the embassy’s recent posts used an “escalatory and undiplomatic tone” that could erode mutual trust and undermine efforts to stabilize and improve bilateral relations.
“The escalatory and undiplomatic tone and language used in the latest social media statements of the Chinese Embassy erode mutual trust and confidence, and severely undermines the efforts to stabilize and improve bilateral relations.”
“All diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting diplomatic envoys, especially on social media,” the DFA said.
However, the DFA said the Philippines values its relations with China but stressed that it reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as necessary.
“The Philippines values its relations with the People’s Republic of China. The recent public statements of the Embassy do not reflect the longstanding spirit of constructive engagement between the two countries and the two foreign ministries,” DFA clarified.
“The DFA likewise reiterates that it reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary.”
The warning followed a series of posts targeting Philippine officials and lawmakers who called for the recall or expulsion of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over his remarks suggesting Beijing could easily wi n if it resorted to force.