On October 19, 2026, Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over comments stating China could "easily win" a conflict but chose not to use force. Manila called the remarks provocative and unacceptable, while politicians demanded Jing's expulsion. The embassy claimed Jing was selectively quoted. The dispute highlights worsening South China Sea maritime tensions between Beijing and US-ally Manila.
Philippine foreign ministry summons Chinese envoy
- ▪Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on October 19, 2026 to express serious concern and strong objection over public remarks conveying a threat of force
- ▪Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro informed Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan that sensitive bilateral issues such as South China Sea tensions should be addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms
- ▪The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated on October 19, 2026 that Ambassador Jing Quan's remarks about China easily winning a conflict were provocative and unacceptable, reserving the right to take further diplomatic action
Chinese Ambassador's remarks and embassy response
- ▪The Chinese Embassy in Manila stated that Ambassador Jing Quan was selectively quoted and that his remarks regarding potential conflict with the Philippines were over-interpreted
- ▪Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan stated after a speech at a Manila school that China could easily win a confrontation with the Philippines over the South China Sea, but would not choose force because Beijing loves peace
- ▪Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan stated Manila should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor, in response to Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro labeling Beijing a regional troublemaker
Broader South China Sea maritime dispute
- ▪Diplomatic squabbles between China and US ally the Philippines have become more frequent in recent years over standoffs and altercations between rival vessels in disputed waters
- ▪Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the strategic South China Sea waterway despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis
- ▪The Philippines has accused China's coast guard of aggressive conduct in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, while Beijing maintains its vessels are enforcing the law against encroaching ships
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