China embassy called out over tiff with PH execs
The government on Monday pushed back against the continued intimidation by China following the escalation of public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials and legislators.
In a privilege speech, Sen. Risa Hontiveros pointed out that “freedom of speech is not a license for a representative of a foreign country to interfere, intimidate and disrespect Filipinos here … Foreign missions are guests, not arbiters of our democracy.”
At least 15 senators also signed Senate Resolution No. 256 expressing the sense of the Senate condemning recent public statements made by the Chinese Embassy criticizing Philippine officials and institutions for positions taken in defense of national sovereignty and maritime rights.
The measure was introduced by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senators Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, and Lito Lapid.
The resolution stressed that the language used by a Chinese Embassy official, directed at incumbent members of Congress, departs from “the restraint, courtesy, and responsibility expected of diplomatic communications” and runs counter to “the principles of mutual respect and non-interference” among states.
It called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take the necessary diplomatic measures to uphold the dignity of the Philippines, ensure that relations with other states adhere to international law, and, if needed, “place [the country’s] objections on record and elevate the matter to relevant international fora.”
Defending sovereignty
The DFA, for its part, said it has made “firm representations” to the Chinese ambassador and the Chinese Embassy conveying serious concerns about their continued criticism of Philippine officials.
In a statement, the DFA said it reiterated the government’s stance affirming support to Filipino officials, who are performing their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty.
It added that “while the Philippines values debate on our differences in national positions, the department recognizes the need for sober, professional and respectful exchanges in the public sphere. Such is not contradictory to the national interest.”
President Marcos is likewise in full support of his officials defending the country’s sovereignty, as long as “they act correctly, in accordance with the law, and in line with our advocacy to defend the rights and interests of the country,” Palace press officer Claire Castro also said on Monday.
The latest government reaction followed the move of China’s foreign ministry to summon on Thursday last week Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz over remarks made by Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela allegedly smearing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “dignity.”
“First of all, the President himself said that he would not surrender even an inch of our territory. So, whatever our agencies are doing to fight for the interests of our country, that is what the President wants and that is also the President’s order,” Castro noted, but added that “diplomacy will still be necessary so that if there are any issues with other countries, they can be resolved properly.”
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has also filed a diplomatic protest against Tarriela after he used an image collage of Xi that appeared to be an artificial intelligence-generated depiction of the leader fuming in anger, flexing his muscles, and even holding a wooden boat bearing a Philippine flag.
Illegal interference
In her privilege speech, Hontiveros stressed that “any foreigner has no right to silence Filipinos within the Philippines, especially an ambassador, because higher expectations are placed on them. An ambassador’s behavior is limited by treaty.”
“Even the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun threatened Philippine officials on our very own soil, warning that they will ‘pay a price’ for their words,” she added.
Hontiveros noted that the embassy has clearly violated Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates that foreign envoys must not interfere in the internal affairs of their host state.
“They cannot tell us how we should think and criticize, especially when what is being discussed is the interest of the nation and our territory. No embassy gets to decide who among Filipino officials is ‘qualified’ to speak on Philippine interests,” she added.
“Instead of taking accountability for their country’s actions, the embassy has twisted and turned facts to suit their propaganda. Instead of showing restraint and remorse for escalating tensions, they have doubled down on aggression,” the senator said.
“If you’re searching for the truth, I will tell you the truth: Chinese Embassy, you are the problem,” she said.
Private think tank Stratbase Institute on Monday also rejected the Chinese Embassy’s accusation of the Philippines being the “provoker” in the West Philippine Sea.
“The facts are consistent and well-documented: It is China’s maritime forces that repeatedly employ coercive and dangerous acts at sea, including water cannons, aggressive maneuvers, and ramming incidents that have damaged Philippine vessels and harmed even Filipino civilians,” it noted. —WITH A REPORT FROM KEITH CLORES
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