A spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Wednesday that countering slanders against China is the “most basic duty” of Chinese diplomats, vowing to push back through all channels “without hesitation” even if the embassy were forced to close.
Ji Lingpeng, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, made the remarks in response to Global Times’ inquiry over calls by certain Philippine legislators to declare a particular Chinese diplomat persona non grata.
The Chinese Embassy has made firm response to lies and smearing remarks about China by Jay Tarriela, the so-called PCG spokesperson for the “West Philippine Sea.” Following that, some Philippine legislators claimed that the Chinese Embassy “interfered in the Philippines’ internal affairs” and “showed disrespect.” Certain senators proposed a resolution expressing an anti-China position and even suggested that a diplomat of the embassy be declared persona non grata.
When asked for comment, Ji told the Global Times that there is no need to go through such trouble. They could simply declare Ambassador Jing Quan “persona non grata” that would be the most straightforward approach. As ambassador, he bears responsibility for all words and actions of the Chinese Embassy, according to the embassy. The statement was also released on the embassy’s social media platform X account.
“Throughout all of this, Ambassador Jing never blinked his eyes, steadfastly defending China’s interests and dignity because this is the duty and responsibility of a diplomat,” Ji said.
In the Philippines, there is but one person who has the authority to ask Ambassador Jing to leave, and that is President Marcos. If he were to receive such notice from President Marcos, he would depart immediately. But he would do so with immense pride and honor, knowing that through his actions, he has fulfilled the firm commitment a Chinese diplomat makes to his country. If anyone intends to declare any Chinese diplomat “persona non grata”, please do include myself and the entire 12-member media affairs and public diplomacy team, said Ji.
“As a team, we stay or leave, together,” said the spokesperson, “That said, rest assured that even if the embassy were to be closed, we would continue, without hesitation, to push back slanders and smears against China through various channels. This is the most basic duty of Chinese diplomats. If a diplomat cannot even do that, then what is the point of having diplomats at all?” Ji noted.
Earlier, following critical remarks by officials from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines in response to statements by Philippine officials on the South China Sea issue, 15 Philippine senators signed a resolution opposing the comments made by Chinese Embassy personnel, according to the local outlet Philstar on Wednesday morning, adding that the Philippine Senate is now studying whether the resolution could be used as a basis to declare the embassy officials persona non grata.
The report said that the discussion was initiated by Senator Sen. Francis Pangilinan, with the resolution co-sponsored and signed by a total of 15 senators. The resolution condemns the “derogatory statements made by Chinese Embassy officials that disparage certain Philippine officials and politicians.”
Philippines Senate President Vicente Sotto III peddled that, in addition to considering the resolution, the Senate could explore — through its Committee on Rules — the possibility of declaring Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata. He remarked during a session that such a move by the Senate would be “very, very serious.” “I suggest that the Committee on Rules study that possibility,” Sotto claimed.
However, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson cautioned that, according to diplomatic practice and convention, only the head of state has the authority to declare a foreign diplomat persona non grata. The Senate can only recommend or suggest such action. Currently, a plenary vote on the resolution in the full Senate session has been deferred.
In recent weeks, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has issued a series of public statements on social media platforms to firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, directly refuting erroneous claims made by the Philippine National Maritime Council and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, among other Philippine government entities and officials.
A notable incident occurred on December 25, 2025, when a Chinese PLA Navy warship on patrol in the South China Sea rendered humanitarian assistance to a Philippine fisherman in distress in the South China Sea, providing food and water and notifying a nearby PCG vessel for follow-up assistance.
Following this humanitarian act, PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela and certain Philippine individuals and institutions launched widespread attacks and smears against China, spreading false narratives. In response, Ji issued a direct rebuttal on social media.
Ji stressed that while other ASEAN member states are actively exploring cooperation and shared development opportunities with China, the Philippines has lost significant development prospects and cooperation chances due to its persistent hype of maritime disputes. Direct flights between China and the Philippines have plummeted from over 300 weekly pre-pandemic to just 84, and personnel exchanges have dropped sharply from over 3 million to around 300,000 annually. Chinese investment in the Philippines now lags far behind that in other ASEAN countries, barely exceeding levels in Brunei. “Is this what the Philippine side hopes to see?” he asked.
“The Chinese Embassy is also a fortress defending national interests and dignity,” Ji stated. “We welcome constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes, but we oppose groundless attacks and slander. If someone spreads lies, wantonly smears China, or incites hatred, we will never tolerate it and will resolutely fight back. This is a right granted by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a fundamental duty of the Chinese Embassy,” said the spokesperson.
