Chinese embassy to reach out to DFA over PH ambassador's remark
(Photo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)
China’s embassy in Manila said Tuesday, Dec. 30, that it will reach out to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) following a remark that seemingly did not please China made by the Philippines’ top diplomat in Czech Republic.
The Chinese embassy, in a statement, said it is categorically rejecting the narrative of Philippine Ambassador to Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez, who reportedly said China “is not a benign, cuddly panda” but a “calculating, very well-coordinated security-conscious entity” with regards to the West Philippine Sea.
“[We] will convey our concern to the DFA,” the embassy said.
It said the duty of a diplomat “is to foster friendly ties between countries,” and not “vilify other countries, sow discord and stoke confrontation.”
The embassy said that the situation in the South China Sea is “generally stable” with the joint efforts of China and Southeast Asian nations. Its pronouncement was made although Chinese troops continued its harassment of Filipino fishers in the Philippine-side of the South China Sea.
“We are committed to properly handling differences in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultations,” if added.