Metro Manila, Philippines – China’s embassy in Manila said it will raise the issue with the Department of Foreign Affairs after the remarks made by the Philippines’ ambassador to the Czech Republic for ‘unfairly portraying’ China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, the embassy said it “categorically rejects” comments attributed to Philippine Ambassador Eduardo Martin Meñez, who was quoted as describing China as “not a benign, cuddly panda” but a “calculating, very well-coordinated security-conscious entity” in reference to disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese embassy said it would formally convey its concern to the DFA.
“Let me stress that the duty of a diplomat is to foster friendly ties between countries rather than vilify other countries, sow discord and stoke confrontation,” the embassy said.
China maintained that the situation in the South China Sea remains stable, citing cooperation between Beijing and countries in Southeast Asia, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“With the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable,” the embassy said. “We are committed to properly handling differences in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation.”
The statement comes amid continuing tensions in waters claimed by the Philippines, where Filipino fishers have reported repeated encounters with Chinese forces in recent months.
NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the DFA for comments.
