The Philippines, locked in a territorial dispute with China over the South China Sea, has summoned and lodged a protest with the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines over his remarks that China could easily defeat the Philippines by force.

In a statement on the 19th (local time), the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian that day to convey "serious concern and strong opposition" to his "threatening remarks implying the use of force."

Lazaro pointed out that Ambassador Huang's remarks were "provocative, unacceptable, and completely unhelpful in promoting mutual understanding."

She went on to emphasize that "as a democratic nation, the Philippines values freedom of expression and diverse voices," adding, "We will never tolerate attempts by foreign diplomatic missions to threaten those who exercise these rights."

The Foreign Affairs Department also noted, "It is not the business of a foreign diplomatic mission to publicly criticize or mock Philippine officials or lawmakers acting within their mandate."

However, it added that the Philippines would keep communication channels open with China, its largest trading partner, and strive to stabilize bilateral relations focusing on non-sensitive areas.

Previously on the 15th, Ambassador Huang made the controversial remarks while responding to a reporter's question at a forum event in Manila regarding Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro calling China a "troublemaker" in the region.

Huang stated that the Philippines should consider itself fortunate to have China as a neighbor, saying, "If we wanted to use force, we could easily win. But we will not choose force and we love peace."

He added, "In this region, we are enjoying peace. Look at other regions: Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, and even Venezuela."

Ambassador Huang's remarks drew strong backlash from Philippine political circles.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pointed out, "It sounds like a threat, and it is certainly not diplomatic."

Some lawmakers, including Senator Erwin Tulfo, demanded that Ambassador Huang be declared persona non grata and expelled.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated during a briefing that day that certain individuals in the Philippines were "maliciously hyping up" China-related issues, adding that China firmly opposes this.

She also added, "Improving bilateral relations serves the interests of both countries," and urged "the Philippine side to take concrete measures to curb such irresponsible words and deeds by some politicians."

The two countries have been escalating tensions through successive clashes in disputed waters over territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)