Philippines Summons Chinese Envoy Over Conflict Remarks

On October 19, 2026, Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over October 15 remarks she called "provocative and unacceptable." Jing told reporters, "If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force, and we love peace." The DFA said the comments conveyed a threat of force and reserved further diplomatic action. The summons would be the second of the Chinese envoy in less than a year under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sen. JV Ejercito called Jing "very rude, very hostile and very undiplomatic" and "bordering on threatening," said the force claim was "made in bad taste," and urged Beijing to replace him. Senators prepared a condemning resolution. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada termed the comments "unfortunate and unconstructive," said "a true friend and neighbor doesn't boast the capacity to hurt," and warned that persona non grata is easy but accountability for consequences is not. China's embassy said Jing was selectively quoted and over-interpreted. Mao Ning opposed "maliciously hyping China-related issues." Manila said it would keep channels open while upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award amid recent soldier injuries and fishing losses in disputed waters.