The Philippine foreign ministry on Monday summoned China ‘s ambassador to express its “serious concern and strong objection” about remarks by the envoy that it said conveyed a threat of the use of force.
Theresa Lazaro summoned Ambassador Jing Quan and told him comments he made to media last week were “provocative and unacceptable”, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It last week said Jing had been selectively quoted and his remarks over-interpreted. Lazaro told Jing the comments aggravated an already sensitive atmosphere between the two countries and undermined mutual efforts to build understanding and cooperation, the foreign ministry said. Sensitive issues should be addressed through established diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms that reserve space for dialogue and engagement, she said.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ambassador being summoned.
