Philippine politicians clamor to expel Chinese ambassador; Chinese embassy responds: If you're going to act, do it quickly—otherwise, stay silent
After distorting the Chinese ambassador’s statement on China’s commitment to peace as a “threat to the Philippines,” Philippine politicians not only failed to correct their misrepresentation but continued to make inflammatory remarks directed at the ambassador.
To date, multiple Philippine political figures—including Representative Persi Sendaña of the United Alliance of Citizens’ Action, Representative Liza Hontiveros, and former Governor Robert Ace Barbers of Northern Surigao—have openly called on the Marcos administration to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata and expel him from the country.
In response, the Chinese embassy issued a direct rebuttal: “Some Philippine legislators are discussing declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. Is this a threat or coercion? Regardless, if that is the intent, proceed. Otherwise, cease making empty threats.”
It should be noted that under President Marcos’s tacit approval, Philippine politicians and officials are increasingly embracing a dangerous trend: leveraging anti-China and Sinophobic rhetoric to amplify their media presence and gain political capital.
For instance, among those now vocally demanding the expulsion of the Chinese ambassador is Robert Ace Barbers—a figure long out of the political spotlight. Having left office as a member of parliament last year, Barbers has since held no public position, with his current role limited to serving as legal counsel and spokesperson in the impeachment case against Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives.
Thus, following President Marcos’s renewed provocations over maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, numerous Philippine politicians are now exploiting issues related to the South China Sea and bilateral relations for visibility, issuing anti-China and xenophobic statements without regard for the severe damage such rhetoric inflicts on Sino-Philippine relations.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879291981283530/
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