The Defense Press Corps (DPC) on Sunday took exception to a statement issued by the Chinese embassy claiming that Filipino reporters have limited comprehension, exaggerate facts, take things out of context, and create hype.
“While the embassy’s statement did not specifically name the DPC, we, along with journalists covering the West Philippine Sea and relations between the two countries, can clearly discern its disparaging intent,” the DPC said in a statement.
The Chinese embassy issued the statement on Saturday, two days after Chinese ambassador Jing Quan said the Philippines is fortunate to have China as a neighbor, noting that China may easily win if it uses force.
Jing nevertheless said that China will not use force, stating that it stands for peace.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Jing’s statement sounded “very much to me like a threat and it is not a very diplomatic statement to be made”, adding this deserves discussions between him and the ambassador.
On Saturday, the Chinese embassy said: “Some Philippine politicians and reporters have very limited comprehension about facts. But they are good at exaggeration, taking things out of context, and creating hype.”
In its statement, the DPC said: “While the ambassador’s remarks were reported verbatim in our news articles, the resulting political fallout is neither within the control nor the responsibility of journalists.”
“Words have consequences. Every statement issued and every interview given carries consequences, whether intended or not,” the DPC also said.