Philippines rebukes officials over public comments about China

The Philippine Foreign Ministry issued a stern rebuke on Sunday to government officials and agencies for making public statements about China, emphasizing the importance of a unified diplomatic voice as the country prepares to host a significant regional summit. The country's military forces have been embroiled in ongoing disputes with China over the South China Sea, a strategically vital body of water that Beijing claims in its entirety, despite an international ruling that disputes its sovereignty.

Several senators called for Beijing's ambassador to be stripped of his diplomatic immunity after he suggested China could easily prevail in any conflict with the Philippines. In response, Beijing accused Manila of creating obstacles to its participation in an ASEAN defense ministers' meeting, sending only an embassy defense attaché instead.

The DFA stated that public comments that contradict the government's diplomatic approach not only complicate the work of diplomats but also risk undermining the nation's credibility in international affairs and presenting an image of internal discord that external parties can exploit. The statement specifically targeted the national security establishment and uniformed services, which have been engaged in heated exchanges with the Chinese Embassy on social media in recent months.

While the armed forces are crucial in documenting incidents, civilian authorities are responsible for guiding the country's international relations. The 2016 international court verdict that broadly rejected China's claims to the South China Sea was reached through rigorous legal proceedings under international law, not through public messaging or social media.

Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro was barred from visiting China this year due to his "irresponsible remarks." Chester Cabalza, a security analyst based in Manila, noted that the Foreign Ministry's public condemnation aimed to assure international partners, particularly China, that the Philippines is in control of its foreign policy.

The military and coast guard are tasked with safeguarding the country's security, but not its foreign policy. China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, urged the Philippines in a recent phone call to curb politicians who have slandered Beijing and overstepped its boundaries. Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Loretta Lazaro described the conversation as "frank and constructive," emphasizing the mutual importance of continued diplomatic dialogue and managing differences with respect.

Manila is scheduled to host a major Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit next week, with world leaders including US President Donald Trump and recently re-elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in attendance. Beijing has yet to announce publicly which nation it will send as its representative.