DFA hits Chinese envoy's 'thinly veiled threat' remark, urges diplomatic restraint

Manila Bulletin - DFA hits Chinese envoy’s ‘thinly veiled threat’ remark, urges diplomatic restraint

DFA hits Chinese envoy's 'thinly veiled threat' remark, urges diplomatic restraint

Foreign Affairs department says Jing Quan's choice of words could erode mutual trust after envoy claims China could 'easily win' if it used force but insists Beijing would not do so

The DFA criticized Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's remarks as a possible "thinly veiled threat of the use of force" and urged diplomats to exercise restraint.

Jing maintained that China would not use force, defended Beijing against accusations of being a regional "troublemaker," and called for regional peace.

The exchange followed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s criticism of China over its actions against Filipino troops at sea and renewed debate over regional tensions.