The Chinese Embassy in Manila has reacted to threats from Philippine lawmakers regarding the potential declaration of the Chinese ambassador as persona non grata. This response follows comments made by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who stated that a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Chinese ambassador was insufficient after the ambassador's remarks about the use of force against the Philippines.
Senator Hontiveros suggested that the Chinese envoy should indeed be declared persona non grata due to recent tensions.
In a social media post made late Friday, the embassy challenged the Philippine government to follow through with the proposed expulsion of the ambassador, questioning whether the statements from lawmakers were serious or mere posturing. The embassy stated, 'Is this threat or coercion? But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, stop bluffing.'
This situation escalated after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan indicated that China could easily win a confrontation against the Philippines if it chose to use force in the West Philippine Sea.