Describing it as a "despicable and shameless act," the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Friday, Aug. 7, strongly condemned the display of white caskets and anti-China banners outside its Consular Section in Manila and at several locations across Metro Manila.

In a statement issued by Embassy Spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, the embassy said unidentified individuals placed white caskets and banners bearing slogans attacking the Communist Party of China outside the embassy's Consular Section building in the early hours of Friday.

The embassy also said photographs of Chinese leaders and the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines were placed inside the caskets.

"This is a blatant act of political provocation, personal attack, and intimidation and threat, of a most egregious nature," the Chinese Embassy said.

The embassy said it had made "solemn representations" to the Philippine side and urged the authorities to immediately "conduct a thorough investigation."

It also called on authorities to "bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law, and take all necessary measures to safeguard the security and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese diplomatic and consular missions, institutions, and personnel in the Philippines."

The Chinese Embassy said the incident reflected efforts by certain individuals to undermine relations between the Chinese and Filipino people.

"This incident once again shows that there are always people who, out of ulterior motives, spare no effort to stoke hatred and incite confrontation between the Chinese and Philippine peoples," the embassy said.

However, it maintained that such actions would not derail efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

"Their sinister schemes will not succeed," it added.

Despite the incident, the Chinese Embassy said it remains committed to keeping China-Philippines relations stable and fostering closer ties between the peoples of the two countries.

"The Chinese Embassy is committed to ensuring that China-Philippines relations remain stable rather than strained, and that the peoples of our two countries grow closer rather than further apart," the embassy said.

It also expressed confidence that acts intended to spread hatred or provoke confrontation would not undermine ongoing efforts to maintain and develop bilateral relations.

"The noises spreading hatred or fueling confrontation will not shake our confidence in stabilizing and developing China-Philippines relations," the embassy added.

Earlier on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) likewise condemned the display of caskets bearing anti-Chinese messages, saying it "does not condone acts or threats of violence against any individual, including foreign nationals or officials."

The DFA stressed that while the Philippines upholds the right to freedom of expression, this right does not extend to threats of violence or acts that endanger the safety and security of others.

It added that such acts do not reflect Philippine foreign policy or the values of the Filipino people and vowed to hold those responsible accountable under Philippine law.

"Such actions do not reflect the Philippine government's approach to conducting its foreign relations, nor do they represent how Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction, even on sensitive political matters," the DFA added.

The DFA also said it is "closely coordinating" with law enforcement authorities, which are taking the "necessary steps" to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine accountability for the "reckless act." 

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