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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
February 18, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the Chinese embassy’s “coercive” statement attributing job losses among Filipinos to strained bilateral relations.
The DFA said it values cooperation with all states across economic, cultural and other domains, as it delivers clear benefits to the Philippines and its people.
“However, we take strong exception to the (Chinese) embassy’s tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation. In the current atmosphere, this framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” the DFA said in a statement.
“The DFA once again urges the Chinese embassy to adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges,” it added.
The DFA said it “remains committed to diplomacy to stabilize and advance our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding profound differences.”
On Friday, Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng warned that escalating political rhetoric against Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan could jeopardize millions of Filipino jobs, as tensions flared anew over calls to replace China’s ambassador.
Yesterday, Ji said China remains committed to managing differences and resolving disputes with the Philippine side through dialogue and consultation even as he issued another warning to the DFA.
“We urge the DFA to play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals in the Philippines from making such remarks, in order to prevent any undermining or harm to ongoing diplomatic efforts,” he said in a statement, clearly referring to Philippine government officials speaking out on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues and defending Philippine sovereignty.
‘Purposeful action’
Describing the Year of the Fire Horse as a year of “purposeful action” toward national growth and prosperity, President Marcos called on Filipinos to match the Fire Horse’s symbolism of courage and forward motion with discipline and hard work.
“I invite all Filipinos to move with purposeful haste – swift when necessary; measured when it matters most. Momentum can be energizing, but direction is what truly delivers results,” Marcos said in his Chinese New Year’s message yesterday.
“It is a time when households, communities and businesses set priorities, execute plans and focus on what truly sustains them. Across generations, we have come to see prosperity as something we cultivate: built by everyday work, guided by discipline and multiplied when it creates jobs and supports initiatives that hold our people together,” the President said.
The horse is often seen as a sign of movement, courage and forward motion, while the fire element suggests a spark that refuses to settle for the usual pace, according to the Chief Executive.
“These symbols convey great meaning for many among us, but the nation does not advance on symbolism alone. It progresses when Filipinos show up for work, when households make every peso count with prudence and good judgment and when government and industries keep the country growing through consistent service, sound decisions and the rigor that turns daily effort into long-term growth,” he said.
Peaceful resolution
Meanwhile, as the Makabayan bloc extended warm greetings to Chinese communities around the world in celebration of the Lunar New Year, it also called for a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the WPS.
“We recognize the deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between the Filipino and Chinese peoples, and we express our hope for a peaceful resolution of current conflicts and disputes in the West Philippine Sea and the broader region,” Reps. Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Renee Louise Co (Kabataan) and Sarah Elago (Gabriela) said in a joint statement.
“To the Chinese government, threats or warnings of economic sanctions or consequences against the Philippines are not consistent with calls for peaceful resolution. Such threats undermine diplomatic efforts and breed resentment among the Filipino people, who have long valued friendship and cooperation with the Chinese people,” they added. — Helen Flores, Jose Rodel Clapano
