Cebu, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Jan. 29, warned that declaring a foreign diplomat persona non grata is an “option of last resort,” as China’s ambassador to the Philippines said he would leave the country “immediately” if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were to take such action amid rising political tensions.
In a statement read by Palace press officer Claire Castro, the DFA said a persona non grata declaration is “one of the most severe forms of diplomatic action” and carries serious consequences, including possible reciprocal measures and the downgrading of relations.
“It also carries tremendous implications moving forward, such as reciprocal action or other countermeasures in other areas,” the DFA said, stressing that diplomacy, dialogue and careful consideration remain the preferred approach even as lawmakers debate tougher action against Chinese diplomats.
The warning came as China’s ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, said he would comply without hesitation if Marcos were to declare him persona non grata. The remarks were made in a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, responding to calls from lawmakers to act against Chinese diplomats over what they described as disrespectful and interfering public statements.
“There is but one person who has the authority to ask Ambassador Jing Quan to leave, and that is President Marcos,” Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said. “If he were to receive such notice from President Marcos, he would depart immediately.”
Ji said Jing would leave “with immense pride and honor,” adding that the ambassador had fulfilled his duty to defend China’s interests and dignity.
The controversy follows a series of public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials, including Philippine Coast Guard West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela, whom the embassy accused of spreading what it called “lies and smearing remarks” about China and its leadership. The language drew sharp reactions from Philippine lawmakers, who said the statements crossed diplomatic lines and interfered in the country’s internal affairs.
During Senate plenary deliberations, Sen. JV Ejercito suggested that Jing be replaced, while Senate President Tito Sotto urged colleagues to study the option of declaring Chinese embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei persona non grata.
Ji appeared to challenge the criticism, saying lawmakers could “simply declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata” if they wished. He stressed that as ambassador, Jing bears responsibility for all statements and actions of the embassy.
The spokesperson highlighted Jing’s 29-year diplomatic career, including 23 years focused on US affairs, saying he had navigated some of the most difficult moments in China-US relations, such as consulate closures, expulsions of diplomats, sanctions and trade wars.
“Throughout all of this, Ambassador Jing never blinked his eyes,” Ji said, describing such confrontations as part of a diplomat’s duty.
Ji also underscored that Jing was appointed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and formally accepted by President Marcos, noting that under diplomatic practice, only the Philippine president has the authority to expel a foreign ambassador.
Tensions have also spilled over to the local level. The municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan – located near disputed features in the West Philippine Sea – recently declared Jing persona non grata, citing alleged violations of diplomatic protocol and remarks seen as affronts to Philippine officials. Such declarations by local governments are symbolic and carry no legal effect, as only the national government can expel a diplomat.
Ji acknowledged the growing calls but said the embassy would not be deterred, adding that if any Chinese diplomat were declared persona non grata, the entire 12-member media affairs and public diplomacy team should be included.
“As a team, we stay or leave, together,” he said, adding that even if the embassy were closed, Chinese diplomats would continue to push back against what they described as slanders against China “through various channels.”
