Envoy says China could win conflict, Manila claims it’s a ‘thinly veiled threat’

Chinese ambassador says Beijing could 'easily win' conflict with Philippines, sparking diplomatic protest

China's ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, stated that Beijing could "easily win" a military confrontation with Manila but has chosen peace instead. The Philippines denounced the remarks as a "thinly veiled threat" and called for diplomatic restraint.