Chinese ambassador says ``we can easily defeat the Philippines by force'', President Marcos reacts

[Manila Current Affairs] On the 15th, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Izumi Izumi said regarding the conflict between China and the Philippines over territorial rights in the South China Sea, ``We can easily win by using force.'' Philippine media reported. In response, President Marcos objected on the 16th, saying, ``It looks like a threat.''

Speaking to reporters during a speech in Manila on the 15th, Ambassador I asserted, ``We should consider ourselves lucky that the Philippines has a neighbor like China.'' Although he said it would be easy to win with military force, he said, ``We do not choose military force; we love peace.''

Asked about this comment by reporters on the 16th, Marcos said, ``It seemed like a threat and was not very diplomatic.'' He suggested the possibility of summoning the ambassador and protesting, saying, ``It is worth discussing between the ambassador and myself.''