Philippines rebukes officials over public comments about China

The Philippines' foreign ministry has publicly rebuked government officials and agencies for making disparaging comments about China, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive approach as the nation prepares for a significant regional summit. The uniformed services of the Philippines have been embroiled in ongoing disputes with China over the South China Sea, a lucrative waterway that Beijing asserts as its sovereign territory, despite a 2016 international court ruling that dismissed China's claims.

Several senators called for China's ambassador to be stripped of his diplomatic status in February after he claimed China could easily triumph in a confrontation with the Philippines. China subsequently accused the Philippines of obstructing its participation in an upcoming Asean defense ministers meeting, sending only an embassy defense attache.

The foreign ministry cautioned that public statements that contradict the government's diplomatic stance can complicate diplomatic efforts, damage the country's credibility, and create an impression of internal discord that foreign parties can exploit. The ministry specifically targeted the nation's national security forces and uniformed services, which have been engaged in heated exchanges with the Chinese embassy on social media.

The statement highlighted the Philippines' armed forces' role in documenting incidents while emphasizing that civilian authority directs the country's international relations. The 2016 international court verdict, which largely refuted 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 Manila-based security analyst, believes the foreign ministry's public statement aims to reassure its counterparts, particularly China, that the Philippines is in control of its foreign policy. The ministry's action serves to assert its role within the bureaucracy.

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, urged the Philippines to curb politicians who have criticized Beijing and overstepped its limits in a phone conversation with counterpart Theresa Luzaro last week. Luzaro described the conversation as "open and constructive," adding that both parties stressed the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the prudent handling of differences based on mutual respect.

Manila is scheduled to host a major Asean summit next week, with leaders including US President Donald Trump and recently re-elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, although China has not yet announced who it will send.