President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday characterized recent statements made by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan as a “threat,” saying that the commentary warrants a direct meeting between himself and the diplomat.
The President made the remarks during an ambush interview following the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), where reporters asked if he intended to summon the Chinese official over his recent public comments. Ambassador Jing reportedly claimed that China could easily prevail against the Philippines but has chosen not to deploy force.
“Well, it sounds very much to me like a threat, and it is not a very diplomatic statement to be made,” Marcos said. “So, we, perhaps would like to understand what exactly it is that he means.”
When asked directly whether the ambassador would be formally summoned, the President signaled his intent to address the matter in person, stating,”I think that deserves a discussion between ambassador and myself.”
The exchange marks the latest tension in the ongoing maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea, where Beijing continues to assert expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the territorial boundaries and exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and several neighboring nations.