Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has called for “healthy dialogue” and mutual respect between Manila and Beijing following a warning from the Chinese embassy that escalating political rhetoric could threaten millions of Filipino jobs tied to bilateral economic relations.
Palace press officer Claire Castro reiterated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not see the need to replace Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, reiterating the administration’s preference for diplomacy over further escalation.
“Ang sabi po ng pangulo diyan… ‘No, hindi po kinakailangang palitan,’” Castro said, referring to calls by some lawmakers to declare a Chinese diplomat persona non grata.
[Translation: The president said… ‘No, there is no need to replace him.’]
Marcos and Jing briefly exchanged pleasantries during an appearance in Binondo, Manila last week.
Castro said tensions should not be driven by one side alone, stressing the importance of reciprocal efforts to maintain constructive relations.
“Ang pag-i-escalate ng tensiyon sa pagitan po ng China at Pilipinas, hindi po ito dapat na nagmumula sa isang bansa,” she said.
[Translation: The escalation of tensions between China and the Philippines should not come from only one country.]
She added that diplomatic engagement requires cooperation from both Manila and Beijing.
“Ang pagsaalang-alang sa friendly discussion at sa healthy dialogue ay dapat nagmumula sa dalawang bansa… dapat ito po ay dalawang bansa ang nagpupursige para magkaroon po ng mutual respect sa bawat isa,” Castro said.
[Translation: Friendly discussion and healthy dialogue must come from both countries… both sides should strive to achieve mutual respect.]
China warning and political reactions
The Chinese embassy earlier cautioned that moves by some Philippine senators to target its diplomats could damage bilateral relations and cost “millions of jobs,” as tensions escalated following Senate Resolution 256 condemning embassy criticism of Philippine officials defending sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
Some lawmakers had discussed recommending that President Marcos declare a Chinese diplomat persona non grata, although Senate leaders ultimately opted to pass a resolution instead.
Government data show China remains the largest source of imports and a major export market, highlighting the economic stakes linked to the dispute.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has maintained that diplomacy remains the primary tool in managing maritime and political disputes, saying negotiations continue to be guided by professionalism, international law and long-term national interests.
Castro said the Palace hopes both countries would pursue constructive engagement moving forward.
