China says can ‘easily win’ confrontation with Philippines

Beijing's ambassador to Manila has claimed that China could easily emerge victorious in a confrontation with the Philippines, although Beijing would not resort to force. Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's remarks were met with criticism from Manila, which accused Beijing of harassment of Chinese workers and teachers. The Philippines and China have engaged in repeated confrontations in the South China Sea, some of which have resulted in injuries.

Beijing has long claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, despite a ruling that such assertion lacks legal standing. Philippine Defence Chief Gilberto Teodoro described China as a regional "troublemaker". The Chinese ambassador dismissed the label as "nonsense" and accused Manila of harassment without providing specific examples.

The Philippine Foreign Ministry condemned the ambassador's comments as unhelpful, given the two countries' complex relationship. The Philippine Coast Guard accused Jing of making a "direct threat", stating that the larger neighbor's repeated violations of law deserve better treatment.