The Philippine foreign ministry summoned China's ambassador, Jing Quan, on Monday to protest against comments he made to reporters last week, which Manila said amounted to a threat of force. Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro told the envoy his remarks were provocative and unacceptable, according to CNA.
Jing had said that China could easily win a conflict between the two countries but would not choose force because it loves peace. He was responding to the Philippine defence secretary describing Beijing as a regional troublemaker. Several politicians, including at least two senators, have called for his expulsion, and the ministry said it reserved the right to take further diplomatic steps. The Chinese embassy has said the ambassador was quoted selectively. The row follows repeated confrontations between the two countries' vessels in the disputed South China Sea.
Source: CNA