Chinese Ambassador hopes for 'friendly' ties with Filipinos amid word war between officials

The new Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan expressed hope for a friendlier relationship with their host country after a recent spirited exchange of words between Philippine government and Chinese Embassy officials.

During a New Year party organized by the Chinese Embassy for the Philippine media, Jing said  "the Philippines and China, we are neighbors, and as neighbors should always learn from each other, help each other, and respect each other. "

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan. Photo by Riz Pulumbarit/Paraluman News

"The two peoples, they're good people, they're friendly people, and the two peoples should always like each other. There is no reason for them to hate each other," said Jing, former deputy head of the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

Jing stressed that as the Philippines' "friend and neighbor," China can offer "sincere assistance without seeking anything in return. China's development is not a threat to the Philippines. It is an opportunity. "

The ambassador also tried to assure that the Philippines should not feel that it is caught in the middle of the tension between the US and China. "China's friends can also be US friends and US friends can also be China's friends. This is not a zero-sum game.  The Philippines does not need to choose sides nor rely on one to conquer the other."

However, the ambassador also warned that the embassy will not be silent if it faces "groundless attacks and scams."

Jing said, "If freedoms are threatened, if China is defamed, or if hatred is incited, we will not remain patient and silent. We will push back firmly without any hesitation."

"This is certainly our view. We have every legitimate right to let the public be aware of the visible facts, as well as China's position and voice," he added.

WORD WAR

Last week, a word war erupted on social media between Philippine Coast Guard spokesperon Jay Tarriela and Chinese Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei.

Filipino politicians and activists also reacted to the word war between Tarriela and Guo.

On Monday, Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to respond to the statements made by the Chinese Embassy.

In a letter to the DFA, Hontiveros said, “We must not allow the Chinese Embassy — or any embassy, for that matter — to disrespect public servants who are simply defending what is rightfully ours. I expect the DFA to take this matter seriously.”

The DFA responded on Wednesday, affirming its support for public officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties.

-Veronica Pulumbarit/Paraluman News

Photos from the Chinese Embassy's New Year Party for the Media by Riz Pulumbarit

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan leads in singing a Chinese song about friendship. Photo by Riz Pulumbarit/Paraluman News

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan with members of the media. January 20. Photo by Riz Pulumbarit/Paraluman News