WEST PHILIPPINE SEA ROW: Chinese embassy rejects Senate resolution

National

THE Chinese Embassy in Manila has pushed back against a Senate resolution criticizing embassy officials for remarks made against Filipino leaders who have spoken about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the country’s sovereignty.

In a statement, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng dismissed the resolution as a political stunt and accused Philippine lawmakers of repeatedly using threats and intimidation toward Chinese diplomats.

Ji also warned that there would be consequences for what he described as the lawmakers’ hypocrisy, ignorance and recklessness.

He further announced that China would declare members of the Kalayaan municipal council persona non grata under the principle of reciprocity after the council earlier made the same declaration against Chinese embassy officials.

The Senate approved Senate Resolution No. 256 on Monday, Geb. 9, without objection. The measure, authored by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, reaffirmed Philippine sovereignty and condemned what lawmakers said were violations of diplomatic protocol by Chinese officials.

Ji said the resolution misrepresented public opinion and could harm efforts to improve relations between China and the Philippines. He also criticized lawmakers, saying they lacked understanding of diplomatic processes and were fueling tension for political purposes.

According to the embassy, China intends to reject the criticism while continuing to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.

Ji stressed that passing more anti China resolutions would not weaken the embassy’s position.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, however, stood by the Senate’s move. He said Chinese diplomats had shown disrespect and stressed that respect should be mutual between both nations.

Sotto also rejected claims that the Senate was trying to intimidate Chinese officials, saying the chamber would not be silenced by foreign representatives. He added that accusing lawmakers of intimidation while issuing harsh remarks against the Senate was inappropriate.(Georgia Olivar, USJ-R Comm Intern)