Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) — The actions of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian are grounds to declare him persona non grata and he should immediately be replaced, Senator JV Ejercito said on Wednesday.
“There’s already basis because of his actuations of late and again he has not done anything to ease the tension as a diplomat,” Ejercito told CNN Philippines’ The Source. “I reiterate not to cut ties but for him to be replaced with someone more diplomatic so that we can still talk and have communication lines open.”
Ejercito explained there is no need to recall Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz because this would also mean cutting ties.
Several lawmakers want Huang declared persona non grata following the water cannon incidents in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend. The incident that happened during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal even caused severe damage to one of the Philippines’ vessels.
Ejercito said there were also instances when Huang’s demeanor was not diplomatic but hostile. Instead of helping ease tensions between Manila and Beijing, he chose to add fuel to the fire, the senator added.
The Chinese ambassador prodded and confronted Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner. Citing the AFP official, Ejercito said Huang told Brawner “don’t provoke us, stop provoking us.”
“As ambassador, you are supposed to practice diplomacy, you are supposed to be the line between your country and the host country,” the senator added.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Teresita Daza said on Monday declaring Huang persona non grata needs “serious consideration.” She explained this may be done if the envoy does something that is unwelcome, but it is an extreme measure that will have intended and unintended consequences.
Following China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend, the DFA summoned Huang on Dec. 11.
The Chinese embassy said during the meeting, he lodged stern representations and strong protests to the Philippine side “regarding its recent infringements and provocations in waters near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal” or the Ayungin Shoal.
