Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over 'threat' remarks

The Philippines summoned China’s ambassador on Monday to protest remarks it said carried a threat of the use of force, escalating the two countries’ diplomatic row (https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-summons-chinese-ambassador-threat-6471136).

Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro summoned Ambassador Jing Quan to convey “serious concern and strong objection” over his public statement of 15 October, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. Lazaro told the envoy the comments were “provocative and unacceptable” (https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/19/dfa-summons-chinese-ambassador-over-threat-of-use-of-force-remark).

Jing told reporters last week at a forum in Quezon City that China would “easily win” a conflict between the countries but would not use force because “we love peace” — a reaction to Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro calling Beijing a regional “troublemaker”. He said Manila should “feel fortunate” to have a neighbour like China. At least two sitting senators have called for his expulsion (https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-summons-chinese-ambassador-threat-6471136).

The DFA warned that foreign missions should not publicly criticise or taunt Philippine officials and legislators, and reserved the right to “take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary” (https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/19/dfa-summons-chinese-ambassador-over-threat-of-use-of-force-remark).

Beijing hit back: foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China opposed the “malicious hyping” of China-related issues and urged Manila to restrain the “irresponsible words and deeds of individual politicians” (https://bworldonline.com/the-nation/2026/10/19/787764/philippines-summons-chinas-envoy-over-remarks-conveying-threat/).

Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had not signalled any intent to declare Jing persona non grata. Palace press officer Claire Castro said: “He would not want this kind of declaration, against any representative of another country here in our country” (https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/10/19/2564301/marcos-does-not-want-chinese-ambassador-expelled-says-palace).

Sources

• https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-summons-chinese-ambassador-threat-6471136 (CNA/AFP, Oct 19)
• https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/19/dfa-summons-chinese-ambassador-over-threat-of-use-of-force-remark (Manila Bulletin, Oct 19)
• https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/10/19/2564301/marcos-does-not-want-chinese-ambassador-expelled-says-palace (Philstar, Oct 19)
• https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1006392/dfa-summons-chinese-ambassador-jing-quan-over-remarks/story/?just_in (GMA News, Oct 19)
• https://bworldonline.com/the-nation/2026/10/19/787764/philippines-summons-chinas-envoy-over-remarks-conveying-threat/ (BusinessWorld/Reuters, Oct 19)