The animosity seen in recent exchanges between Philippine officials and the Chinese Embassy in Manila has prompted the 1Sambayan political coalition, known for its strong opposition to China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, to call on the government to take a firmer stand to defend the national interest. In a statement on Saturday, 1Sambayan urged the government, specifically the Department of Foreign Affairs, to respond more strongly to the forceful rhetoric from China’s embassy, including declaring certain embassy officers as persona non grata. Recent statements from the embassy “appear calculated to pressure and embarrass the Philippines” as it further advances its narratives that “counter established facts and national interests.”

Sarao, Z. (2026, January 25). Stronger PH action urged vs Chinese rhetoric, disinfo. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A2, A3.