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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
January 30, 2026 | 4:25pm
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan during his meeting with Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte on Jan. 26, 2026.
Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not inclined to declare China's ambassador to the Philippines persona non grata, Malacañang said, despite calls from several lawmakers.
The Chinese Embassy and Ambassador Jing Quan have recently exchanged public statements with Philippine lawmakers, drawing criticism from members of Congress.
Lawmakers described the embassy's remarks as unacceptable for guests in a foreign country. The Senate later adopted a resolution condemning the public statements of the Chinese Embassy, which senators said contradicted diplomatic conduct.
The embassy, meanwhile, insisted that only Marcos has the authority to expel an ambassador.
Malacañang ruled out the proposals.
"'No' ang sagot ng pangulo," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a video statement shared with reporters. (The president said 'no.')
Castro did not elaborate on the president's position.
Strained ties. The word war between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials has added to already strained tensions between Manila and Beijing.
China continues to assert claims over much of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
The dispute has led to repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, with some incidents resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel and disruptions to local fishing activities.
