Senate President Sotto Stands Firm Against Chinese Embassy Criticism
Senate President Vicente Sotto III has taken a resolute stance, declaring that the Senate will not be silenced in the face of condemnation from the Chinese Embassy over a recently passed resolution. This firm declaration comes after the embassy criticized Senate Resolution 256, which denounces actions threatening Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Sovereignty Defense
The Senate leadership's response was prompted by the Chinese Embassy's dismissal of the resolution as a "political stunt." Sotto countered accusations from Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Linpeng, who claimed that senators were intimidating Chinese diplomats. The Senate President argued that it is the Chinese envoy who lacks respect, by labeling the resolution in such a manner.
He further emphasized that the Chinese diplomat appears to have limited understanding of how diplomacy operates in practice. In a sharp retort, the Chinese Embassy spokesman warned that there would be consequences for what he described as the hypocrisy, ignorance, and recklessness of the lawmakers involved.
Background: Reciprocal Declarations of Persona Non Grata
This diplomatic clash follows recent actions by China. On Tuesday, February 11, China declared former and current officials of Kalayaan, Palawan—including the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilors—as persona non grata. This move came after the municipality had first declared officials of the Chinese Embassy as persona non grata, highlighting a tit-for-tat escalation in bilateral tensions.
The situation underscores ongoing disputes in the region, with the Senate reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests despite external pressures.
