/Manila Bulletin: Hontiveros Accused of Political Theater by Chinese Embassy
senator Francis Pangilinan has called on the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file a diplomatic protest and summon the Chinese Ambassador following what he describes as insulting behaviour by Chinese diplomats. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in the south China Sea and recent diplomatic exchanges.
Senator Francis Pangilinan’s Response
Senator Francis Pangilinan publicly condemned the actions of Chinese diplomats, characterizing the nations engaging in such behavior as insecure and cowardly. He stated they hide “behind hapless subordinates while pretending to be strong.”
Pangilinan specifically urged DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro to take immediate action, stating, ”DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro, it is time to file diplomatic protests and summon the Honorable Chinese Ambassador.” He emphasized the need for the Philippine government to firmly address what he considers unacceptable conduct within its own territory.
Philippine-China Relations and Diplomatic protocols
Diplomatic protests are a standard mechanism used by nations to express strong disagreement or objection to the actions of another government or its representatives.The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Office outlines the procedures for handling diplomatic correspondence and protests.
Summoning an ambassador is a more serious diplomatic step, typically reserved for situations where a government wishes to convey its strong disapproval directly to the highest-ranking representative of the other country. It signals a significant level of concern and demands an description.
As of January 24,2026,there have been no official reports from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirming weather a diplomatic protest has been filed or if the Chinese Ambassador has been summoned. The Global Times, a Chinese state-affiliated media outlet, has not yet reported on pangilinan’s statement as of 07:36:01 UTC on January 24, 2026.
South china Sea Disputes
The call for a diplomatic protest occurs within the context of ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. The Philippines and China have conflicting claims over several islands and maritime features in the region.
In 2016, the Permanent court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China, invalidating China’s expansive claims based on the “nine-dash line.” Though, China has rejected the ruling and continues to assert its sovereignty over the disputed areas.
Recent incidents involving Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Philippine ships resupplying troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal have heightened tensions. On August 5, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese coast Guard ships used water cannons against Philippine vessels.