Benjie Alejandro

Amid the continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the issue flared up once again following strong statements from the Chinese Embassy. According to their spokesperson, they are prepared to leave if their ambassador and entire media team are declared persona non grata. They further added that even if the embassy were shut down, their campaign against Beijing’s critics would persist. 

This is not a mere exchange of words. Such pronouncements clearly reflect China’s firm stance on its sweeping claims over the South China Sea—claims that were invalidated by the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines. 

In the Senate, there have been calls to declare certain embassy officials persona non grata due to their repeated criticisms of Philippine authorities. On the other hand, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) insists on handling the situation themselves. The DFA emphasizes that engagement must remain calm and professional, while the country continues to defend its sovereignty. 

Two points stand out upon closer examination: 

1. China’s statements cannot simply be dismissed, as they carry implications for our national interest. 

2. The process of diplomacy must be respected. The DFA, as the lead agency mandated to safeguard our foreign relations, should rightfully take the helm in managing such sensitive matters. 

Ultimately, what matters most is the unity of the Filipino people in defending our rights in the West Philippine Sea, while remaining open to peaceful solutions. As both the new Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro have underscored, cooperation and dialogue remain the best approach for both sides.