Manila strongly objects to Beijing’s warning that diplomatic tensions could cost millions of Filipino jobs, calling the remarks coercive and unhelpful.

MANILA: The Philippines has taken strong exception to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila warning that the ongoing diplomatic spat could result in millions of job losses.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said such comments could be perceived as coercive and undermine constructive dialogue.

“We take strong exception to the embassy’s tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation,” the department stated.

It added that the framing risks being perceived as coercive in the current atmosphere.

The sharp exchange follows repeated maritime confrontations between the two nations in the contested South China Sea.

Some Philippine senators recently suggested China’s ambassador should be recalled.

This prompted the embassy to warn last week that any serious damage to bilateral ties would “cost millions of jobs.”

The Philippine foreign ministry called on Chinese diplomats to adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges.

In response, China’s embassy called on the Philippine foreign ministry to restrain individuals criticising Beijing.

“We firmly oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred,” an embassy spokesperson said.

The Philippines has consistently accused China of aggressive actions within its exclusive economic zone.

These alleged actions include dangerous manoeuvres, water-cannoning, and disrupting resupply missions to a grounded warship.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea and accuses the Philippines of intruding into its territory.

 The Sun Malaysia