Marcos rejects calls to declare Chinese ambassador persona non grata

Cebu, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected calls to declare China’s ambassador an unwelcome person, Malacañang said Friday, as pressure mounts from lawmakers in light of sharp public exchanges between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos gave a firm response when asked about demands to expel a foreign ambassador.

“Basta sagot ng pangulo patungkol sa panawagan na ideklarang persona non grata ang isang ambassador, ‘No,’” Castro said.

[Translation: Asked about calls to declare an ambassador persona non grata, the president’s answer was simply, “No.”]

The Palace response was amid a verbal spat between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and government officials, including Philippine Coast Guard West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela. 

Lawmakers said the embassy language crossed diplomatic norms and interfered with internal affairs.

Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said he would leave the country immediately if ordered by the president. 

In a statement issued Wednesday, Jan. 28, Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng was straightforward.

“There is but one person who has the authority to ask Ambassador Jing Quan to leave, and that is President Marcos,” Ji said. “If he were to receive such notice from President Marcos, he would depart immediately.”

Ji added that Jing would leave “with immense pride and honor,” saying the ambassador had fulfilled his duty to defend China’s interests and dignity.

As calls for tougher action grew, the Department of Foreign Affairs cautioned that declaring a diplomat persona non grata is an option of last resort. 

In a statement read by Castro, the DFA said such a move is among the most severe forms of diplomatic action and could carry serious consequences, including reciprocal measures and a possible downgrading of relations.

“It also carries tremendous implications moving forward, such as reciprocal action or other countermeasures in other areas,” the DFA said, adding that diplomacy and dialogue remain the preferred approach.