The move of more than a dozen senators to replace or declare unwelcome China's embassy diplomats in the Philippines weren't able to silence them after making on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, yet another statement—a very lengthy one—that targeted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela, whom they continued to accuse of smearing Beijing.

Another embassy spokesman, Ji Lingpeng, came out to support Guo Wei, the previous spokesman whose remarks triggered backlash from Philippine government officials, by releasing a 2,116-word statement posted on the embassy's social media pages.

In his statement that came eventually after the Senate's resolution, he shrugged off the Senate's latest move by saying, "those who think they can pressure China through statements, resolutions, or endless complaints underestimate us."

"That approach simply does not work," he said.

"As long as falsehoods continue, China will continue to respond, without pause. We will continue to say no to them loudly and clearly," Ji said.

In most part of his statements, Ji accused Tarriela of smearing Beijing multiple times, including the 195 social posts that he made in 2025 alone. He also highlighted a Jan. 14 incident where he used a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a talk with Filipino students.

Ji said the PCG spokesman made a "serious infringement on political dignity" that crossed a diplomatic "red line."

He also dismissed the recent maritime tensions as manufactured "hype," contrasting it with China's history of humanitarian and economic aid, such as the donation of 55 million vaccine doses during the pandemic and the multi-million dollar trade deals for Davao durian.

"People like Tarriela often claim that the Philippines is a democracy and values freedom of speech. Then why can’t they have normal debates with us? Some say they are disrespected, yet they show no respect to others," Ji said.

"When they repeatedly describe a country that has been sincerely helping the Philippines—its largest trading partner and biggest source of imports—with words like ‘barbaric,’ ‘aggressive,’ ‘coercive,’ ‘illegal,’ and ‘deceptive,’ and when they attack another country’s head-of-state, they have already lost the most basic sense of respect, revealing a distorted and unbecoming face, bringing disgrace upon themselves. Whatever critical response they invited truly serves them," he added.

The embassy spokesman also said that "some individuals even invoke the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," but asked if "have they actually read the Convention? do they understand its provisions, its spirit, and its essential principles?"

"Barely informed about the subject, they nevertheless dare to force a literal application," he said.

During a privilege speech at the Senate, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the embassy clearly violated Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, where foreign envoys are mandated to not interfere in the internal affairs of their host state.

“Censuring a Filipino official’s internal discourse constitutes a breach of this protocol,” she said.

“It’s time for us to really know who is profiting, who is amplifying, and who is China’s megaphone here in the Philippines. If they are determined to work against their own people, that is no longer a strategy. That is treason against the Motherland,” Hontiveros stressed.

And the embassy still had a response: "Some claim China is interfering in Philippine internal affairs. If they don’t understand diplomacy, don’t make things up. Non-interference is a fundamental principle of China’s foreign policy."

On Tuesday, senators crossed party lines to sign a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate condemning the recent public statements made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that criticized Philippine officials and institutions that defend the country’s national sovereignty and maritime rights.

Fifteen senators signed the resolution, specifically affirming the sovereign right and duty of Philippine officials to speak on matters of national interest in the performance of their official functions.

They also floated the idea of replacing or declaring persona non-grata the deputy spokesman of the embassy, Guo.

The embassy maintained its stand, saying that "those who hope China will remain silent in the face of attacks are completely mistaken."

"Those who seek to incite hatred and sabotage China–Philippines relations will not easily succeed, because we’re watching closely, and will debunk every lie and scheme whenever they arise," Ji said.

"Finally, a brief personal note: I have returned to Manila following a recent leave in China. Going forward, my colleague, Deputy Spokesperson Wei Guo, and I will remain closely engaged with those who seek to attack China," he added.

"They are free to attack; we are just as free to respond. Freedom of speech works both ways. That said, our real focus is advancing China–Philippines exchanges and cooperation. No need to get so worked up—pace yourselves. The road ahead is long, and there will be plenty of chances to talk," he also said.