Full Breakdown
Philippine Lawmakers Push to Declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan Persona Non Grata
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Diplomatic Row Over Ambassador’s “Easily Win” Remark
On October 15, 2026, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan told reporters China “may easily win” a conflict with the Philippines if it used force, while saying Beijing preferred peace. Philippine officials saw it as a threat. Senator Erwin Tulfo filed Senate Resolution No. 739 on October 16, urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to recommend Jing’s removal. Parallel actions followed in the House and a diplomatic exchange with Beijing.
Background & Context
Tensions have risen over the West Philippine Sea. In July 2026 Jing was summoned after a Philippine marine was injured in a clash with the China Coast Guard at Second Thomas Shoal. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro recently called China the region’s “troublemaker,” prompting Jing’s comments.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 2026 – Jing makes the “easily win” remark.
- Oct 16, 2026 – Senator Tulfo files Senate Resolution 739.
- Oct 19, 2026 – DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro summons Jing, calling the comments “provocative.”
- Oct 20, 2026 – Senator Risa Hontiveros files a companion resolution.
- Oct 21, 2026 – Ten House members file House Resolution 1562, requesting a declaration or recall.
- Nov 9, 2026 (scheduled) – Senate debate and vote.
Key Figures & Groups
- Jing Quan – Chinese Ambassador.
- Senator Erwin Tulfo – Sponsor of Senate Resolution 739.
- Senator Risa Hontiveros – Co-sponsor.
- Rep. Perci Cendaña (Akbayan) – House member demanding removal.
- Robert Ace Barbers – Former representative, critic of the ambassador.
- Leila de Lima – Representative urging executive action.
- Ma. Theresa Lazaro – DFA Secretary.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – Authority to declare a diplomat persona non grata.
Official Statements & Responses
Lazaro labeled the remarks “provocative and unacceptable.” The Chinese Embassy called the proposed expulsion “old and low tricks” and warned of reciprocal measures, including possible bans on Philippine officials entering China.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers condemned Jing’s rhetoric as an affront to sovereignty. Leila de Lima said the ambassador’s behavior disrespects the 2016 arbitral award. Robert Ace Barbers and Perci Cendaña called for his immediate departure, describing him as “arrogant” and “obnoxious.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We should feel fortunate enough that you have a neighbor like China in this region. If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we’ll not use force. We love peace,” — Ambassador Jing
- “Unahan niya na. Why wait for persona non grata? Just go home,” — Erwin Tulfo
- “He should go back to China immediately,” — Robert Ace Barbers
- “An arrogant, obnoxious visitor. How long are we going to tolerate this? This Chinese ambassador should be sent home,” — Perci Cendaña
- “Unless he apologizes or takes back that remark or that statement, I think the Executive Department should seriously consider declaring him as persona non grata,” — De Lima
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Senate Resolution 739 requests a DFA recommendation; House Resolution 1562 seeks a declaration or recall. President Marcos has not announced a decision. The embassy’s threat of reciprocal bans remains unverified, and potential impacts on trade or security are unclear.
What’s Next
The Senate’s November 9 deliberation will decide whether to urge the DFA to recommend expulsion. If adopted, the recommendation moves to the president, who must act. The Chinese Embassy warns any declaration could trigger diplomatic retaliation, potentially widening the dispute.