The Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines said that China could easily defeat the Philippines if it chose to use force, but affirmed that China loves peace and does not want to use force to resolve maritime disputes. Meanwhile, the Philippine government condemned the remarks as veiled threats amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and disputes over the suspension of military communication channels between the two countries.
Jing Quan, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, said on Thursday (15 Oct) that China could easily defeat the Philippines if it chose to use force. However, China will not take that path because it desires peace. He called on both countries to find ways to jointly manage maritime disputes and to continue expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and exchanges of visits, despite their differences.
This statement comes amid rising tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, which the Philippines calls the "West Philippine Sea." The Philippine government accuses China of aggressive behavior toward Philippine fishing vessels and government ships, while China claims most of the South China Sea. This claim is disputed, as the 2016 ruling by an international arbitration tribunal stated that China's nine-dash line claim has no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing regret over the Chinese Ambassador's remarks, saying they could be interpreted as covert threats of force and do not help ease the complex bilateral relationship. The department urged diplomats to use careful language to maintain trust and keep dialogue channels open.
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, said the remarks constituted a direct threat. He added that refraining from using force against a country whose rights are already being violated cannot be considered peace. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Manila clarified that Jing's comments were taken out of context and affirmed that China views the Philippines as a neighbor and friend sharing historical and cultural ties.
Another contentious issue is the suspension of direct communication channels between the militaries of both countries. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the channels have been suspended for about three years due to security concerns and China's misuse of them to distort facts. Jing warned that the lack of open communication increases the risk of confrontation and conflict.
However, the Philippines insists that communication with China continues through the foreign ministry and the coast guard. Both sides agreed in July 2024 to enhance communication channels among leaders and relevant agencies to prevent maritime incidents in the South China Sea from escalating into crises.
The Philippines also has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, which stipulates that both parties will assist each other if attacked with weapons. Meanwhile, tensions between China and the Philippines remain a key regional security concern.