NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
China Summons Philippine Envoy Over PCG's Tarriela Remarks
Photo credit: Jay Tarriela
China has formally summoned the Philippine Ambassador in Beijing, turning up the heat over what it calls “inflammatory and misleading” remarks made by a spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard.
In a press conference, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it lodged a strong protest against comments made by Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, whom Beijing accused of spreading disinformation and fueling tensions over maritime issues.
Beijing: Enough Is Enough
According to Guo Jiakun, head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Asian Affairs, Chinese officials had already made their position clear earlier in the week. But on Thursday morning, they decided to take it a step further—summoning the Philippine Ambassador to once again express China’s “solemn representations.”
China claims the Philippine side has long turned a blind eye to what it describes as confrontational and baseless statements coming from its Coast Guard spokesperson. Beijing insists it will not accept these remarks, warning that such rhetoric could disrupt normal diplomatic communication and further strain bilateral relations.
PH Stands by Its Officials
The diplomatic move comes after the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) publicly reiterated its support for elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties.
The DFA emphasized that these actions are in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, while also noting that disagreements between states are best handled through established diplomatic channels—not public exchanges.
A Call to Dial Down Tensions
China urged the Philippines to stop what it calls a smear campaign and to address the “negative impact” of the statements as soon as possible. Failure to do so, Beijing warned, could further harm relations between the two countries.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, both sides appear firm in their positions—leaving many to watch closely whether diplomacy can cool things down before rhetoric escalates further.
In a press conference, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it lodged a strong protest against comments made by Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, whom Beijing accused of spreading disinformation and fueling tensions over maritime issues.
Beijing: Enough Is Enough
According to Guo Jiakun, head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Asian Affairs, Chinese officials had already made their position clear earlier in the week. But on Thursday morning, they decided to take it a step further—summoning the Philippine Ambassador to once again express China’s “solemn representations.”
China claims the Philippine side has long turned a blind eye to what it describes as confrontational and baseless statements coming from its Coast Guard spokesperson. Beijing insists it will not accept these remarks, warning that such rhetoric could disrupt normal diplomatic communication and further strain bilateral relations.
PH Stands by Its Officials
The diplomatic move comes after the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) publicly reiterated its support for elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties.
The DFA emphasized that these actions are in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, while also noting that disagreements between states are best handled through established diplomatic channels—not public exchanges.
A Call to Dial Down Tensions
China urged the Philippines to stop what it calls a smear campaign and to address the “negative impact” of the statements as soon as possible. Failure to do so, Beijing warned, could further harm relations between the two countries.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, both sides appear firm in their positions—leaving many to watch closely whether diplomacy can cool things down before rhetoric escalates further.
Jan 23, 2026
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