A verbal clash continues between Philippine lawmakers and the Chinese embassy over a Senate resolution condemning Chinese diplomats for insulting Philippine officials defending national sovereignty. Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng stated that the embassy is not intimidated by such 'tricks' from politicians. Philippine officials responded that the country is not a province of China and diplomatic immunity has limits.
In Manila, tensions persist between the Chinese embassy and Philippine lawmakers. Last week, the Senate passed Resolution 256 condemning Chinese diplomats for their hostile remarks against Philippine officials who defended the country's sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng questioned, 'Who do they think they are? Do they even have the capability?' regarding senators urging the recall of the Chinese Ambassador. He described some Philippine politicians as 'ignorant and arrogant' and behaving 'like children playing house' in diplomatic matters. The embassy warned that any damage to relations, including downgrading, 'would cost millions of jobs.'
House deputy minority leader Leila de Lima responded by reminding that 'the Philippines is not a province of China' and diplomatic immunity as guests has limits. 'May I remind them that there is a limit to their abuse of immunity,' she said, noting that free speech is alien to China, which has never been a democracy in its history.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela addressed Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano's doubts about Philippine actions in the South China Sea. 'It is only China that comes close to the point of harassment,' he stated, clarifying that Philippine vessels do not approach China's illegally occupied features unless believing them Chinese territory, like Bajo de Masinloc or Ayungin Shoal. He urged Cayetano to rely on PCG evidence—photos, videos, and records—rather than 'PRC talking points filled with falsehoods.' Tarriela noted that the Philippines avoids nearing features occupied by Vietnam or Malaysia, in line with the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration of Conduct, unlike China, which disregards it and UNCLOS.
Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio called for a series of debates with Sen. Rodante Marcoleta at universities nationwide on the legal existence of the West Philippine Sea, which he maintains has been Philippine territory since the Spanish colonial era.
