The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has characterized the declaration of a foreign diplomat as persona non grata as one of the “most severe forms of diplomatic action,” urging caution amid Senate studies to expel officials from the Chinese Embassy. Malacañang emphasized that such a move is a “last resort” with significant potential repercussions, advocating instead for resolving issues through private diplomatic channels.
In a press briefing, Malacañang Spokesperson Claire Castro read a DFA statement addressing proposed congressional resolutions targeting Chinese diplomats, particularly Ambassador Huang Xilian. The DFA stressed that while it has the authority for such declarations, the action is secondary only to downgrading diplomatic relations and should not be made lightly. It warned of “tremendous implications,” including reciprocal countermeasures, that could impact the Philippines’ strategic interests.
Spokesperson Castro stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is aware of the situation and is in talks with Foreign Secretary Tess Lazaro. The Palace deferred specific questions on diplomatic “red lines” and escalation to the DFA, underscoring the President’s directive to handle foreign policy issues through “dialogue and consultation, rather than through public discourse.”
The tension follows statements from Chinese Embassy officials that some Philippine lawmakers have deemed disrespectful and interfering. This occurs against the ongoing backdrop of maritime disputes in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
However, according to the Chinese Embassy, it was not the issue of the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea that prompted their response to the accusations, but rather the use by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela—an official of the Philippine government—of what they viewed as a disrespectful and degrading portrayal of their President, Xi Jinping, during a seminar-dialogue held at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, which bore the title “Why China Remains to Be a Bully?”
Separately, the Palace confirmed that finalizing a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea remains a key agenda for the Philippines, which will chair ASEAN in 2026 and host a foreign ministers’ retreat in Cebu.
When asked about a recent Chinese Embassy statement noting that only President Marcos could order the Ambassador to leave and that he would comply if asked, the Palace said it had no immediate reaction and would align with the DFA’s position.
The administration’s unified message prioritizes calibrated diplomacy over confrontational legislative actions, seeking to manage bilateral tensions while advancing broader regional and national interests. The DFA has requested “ample space” to conduct its diplomatic mandate.#
