Two senators are calling on China to consider appointing a new ambassador to the Philippines, arguing that the current envoy’s approach has only worsened already strained relations between Manila and Beijing.
Sens. JV Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo said Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan should be replaced, citing what they described as an increasingly hostile posture from the Chinese Embassy in Manila since the recent diplomatic dispute involving the Senate.
The tension escalated after the Chinese Embassy reacted strongly to a Senate resolution that criticized Chinese officials, who later took aim at senators and Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela over his remarks and use of a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Diplomats representing their country, they should not be hostile … host country they’ve been very hostile against officials of our government,” Ejercito said.
He added that Jing has only been in the Philippines since December but has been “very hostile”.
Tulfo supported the call, saying Jing has displayed a more combative stance compared to his predecessor, former ambassador Huang Xilian.
“It will be best for the interest of the Chinese and Philippine relationship na siguro magkaroon ng bagong ambasador. It will help a lot,” Tulfo said.
Both senators stressed that the Senate’s actions were rooted in its duty to protect Philippine interests, rejecting any suggestion that lawmakers were overstepping.
“They have been disrespecting us, but they want respect. They have to respect also Philippine officials,” Ejercito said.
He also clarified that his criticism was directed at the Chinese government’s policies, not its citizens.
“I’m not against the Chinese people. I’m just against the expansionism scheme of Xi Jinping’s government,” he said.
Tulfo, meanwhile, pushed for renewed communication between both sides as tensions continue to rise.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla attempted to strike a more sympathetic tone toward China, but ultimately agreed that Philippine officials must respond in line with the President’s direction.
“Dapat, sumunod tayo kung ano yung sinasabi ng Pangulo. Firm daw, pero diplomatic, hindi bastos,” Padilla said.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, however, said he no longer intends to respond to the Chinese Embassy’s statements.
“When someone triggers you to react and you do not, it’s annoying! I prefer to be annoying!” Sotto said in a text message.
