Philippines is no longer willing to escalate the situation! The Philippine Foreign Secretary summoned our ambassador. On October 19, according to foreign media reports, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned China’s ambassador to Manila on Monday. Rafael Lacson stated that the Philippines expressed clear opposition to certain remarks, describing them as “provocative” and unacceptable, noting they do not contribute to mutual understanding. Such statements only intensify an already tense bilateral environment and undermine efforts by both sides to enhance mutual comprehension and cooperation.
Foreign missions should not publicly “criticize or ridicule” Philippine officials and legislators acting within their mandate. The Philippines will not tolerate attempts by foreign envoys to “intimidate” individuals exercising these rights. Lacson emphasized that sensitive issues must be resolved through diplomatic channels. How should we interpret this diplomatic move? From a diplomatic standpoint, when there are clear differences between the two sides, summoning an ambassador is a formal method of expressing discontent.
However, the action has not yet reached the level of declaring an envoy persona non grata or recalling one’s own ambassador—measures considered more drastic. This suggests that the Philippines is not preparing to escalate its response further. Indeed, Lacson made no mention of designating anyone as persona non grata. Another notable aspect of the Philippines’ position lies in its assertion that “sensitive issues must be resolved through diplomatic channels,” which likely carries two implications.
First, the Philippines is signaling it does not intend to escalate the dispute into direct confrontation at sea, preferring to confine the dialogue within the framework of diplomacy. Second, the statement implies that while differences exist, public rhetoric should not be allowed to intensify tensions further; instead, disputes should be addressed through closed-door diplomatic consultations. Clearly, this diplomatic gesture conveys dissatisfaction but also serves to de-escalate the situation. The Philippines appears well aware that further escalation would yield no benefit—especially given China’s unequivocal stance that any escalation will be met with countermeasures.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879461706397706/
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