China’s ambassador says “we can easily win if we use force”, Philippines criticizes it as a threat

Jing Quan, China’s ambassador to the Philippines, said on Thursday (October 15) that if a conflict breaks out between China and the Philippines, it is “completely possible for China to win easily.” Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday (16th) that these remarks amounted to a "threat" and that he would summon Iquan to explain the matter.

Jingquan was interviewed after attending the "Diliman Dialogues" event in Manila on the 15th and was asked about Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's previous criticism of China as a "troublemaker" in the region. Jingquan asked "who is the troublemaker?", alluding to the Philippine government's recent "unprovoked" smearing of China and harassment of Chinese workers and teachers, and questioned that it was the Philippines that pushed the situation into conflict.

Then, Jingquan said: "The Philippines should feel lucky to have a neighbor like China. If we want to use force, it is entirely possible to win easily. But we will not use force because we love peace."

Jingquan also warned that if the Philippines does not restore direct communication channels with the Chinese military, the risk of conflict between the two countries will increase.

In response to Jingquan's speech, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement on the 15th that the current relationship between the Philippines and China is complex, and the Chinese ambassador's remarks "will not help improve relations" and are regrettable. The statement also pointed out that diplomatic work requires "careful wording and restraint" and that even if the two sides have different positions, dialogue and exchanges should be allowed to continue.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela also described Jingquan’s remarks as a “direct threat.” He wrote on the

The Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a statement on the 16th in response, saying that the Philippines had "taken things out of context and over-interpreted", showing that the two countries still have a long way to go in terms of effective communication and dialogue.

China and the Philippines have been involved in constant conflicts over the years over the sovereignty disputes over islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines suspended its direct military communication mechanism with China about three years ago. Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro stated on October 14 that China is suspected of abusing communication channels and distorting narratives, so the Philippines continues to suspend its direct communication mechanism with the Chinese military; China can still maintain communication through the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese coast guard ship of launching water cannons near Ayungin Shoal (called Second Thomas Shoal in China) on the 8th to prevent the Philippines from receiving medical evacuation missions for sick soldiers stationed there. Previously, on September 29, the Philippines stated that a Chinese "maritime militia ship" and 24 sampans were involved in illegal fishing on Kota Island (called Nanyao Island in China) and were driven away by the Philippines.