Philippines Demands Removal of Chinese Diplomats, Accuses Beijing of Interference

Eduardo Ano, the Philippine National Security Adviser, has called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats following an alleged leak of a confidential phone conversation involving a senior Filipino naval officer. This controversy intensifies the ongoing disputes over the South China Sea, a region marked by persistent conflict and strategic importance.

According to Ano, the Chinese embassy in Manila has been actively involved in what he described as “dissemination of disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation.” He accused the embassy of leveraging these tactics to stir discord and undermine Philippine unity and sovereignty. Ano asserted that these acts are intolerable breaches of diplomatic conduct and must be met with substantial consequences.

This stern rebuke comes in response to a report in the Manila Times, detailing an alleged phone call between a Filipino admiral and a Chinese diplomat. The published transcript, said to be leaked by an unnamed high-ranking Chinese official, reveals the admiral seemingly conceding to China’s requests to reduce Philippine naval presence in contested waters and to pre-notify Beijing about future marine operations.

China’s response was swift and pointed. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized Ano’s statements as provocative and defended the actions of Chinese diplomats in the Philippines. “China solemnly requests the Philippine side to effectively safeguard the normal performance of duties by Chinese diplomatic personnel, stop infringing and provoking, and refrain from denying the facts,” Lin stated during a press briefing in Beijing.

The contentious issues stem from several incidents over the past year where Philippine and Chinese vessels have clashed in the South China Sea. The Philippines, backed by the United States and other allies, has been more assertive in its operations within the region, directly challenging China’s expansive territorial claims.

The suggestion to expel Chinese diplomats represents a significant potential shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations, signaling a possible new phase in their longstanding maritime disputes. The ramifications of such a move could exacerbate the already tense interactions, which have included diplomatic protests and physical confrontations at sea.

The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the foreign ministry have yet to comment on the unfolding situation.

Analysts warn that expelling diplomats could severely impact diplomatic channels and escalate tensions further. “Diplomacy is based on trust,” noted Manila-based political analyst Julio Amador. “Yet, China is attempting to enforce binding outcomes from what are supposed to be diplomatic negotiations, infringing on Philippine sovereignty.”

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with concerns that these rising tensions could destabilize the already volatile region.