The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) rebuked the Chinese Embassy in Manila for the “escalatory and undiplomatic tone and language” used in its latest social media statements and warned that it could take “further diplomatic action” if necessary.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quen was summoned by Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Monday over his recent comments last week when he said China could use force and win in its marine territorial row with the Philippines. But the ambassador said China will not so and adds it supports peace.

In a statement, the DFA reaffirms the Philippines’ continued adherence to One China Policy while reminding "all diplomats accredited to the Philippines to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements."

"The escalatory and undiplomatic tone and language used in the latest social media statements of the Chinese Embassy erode mutual trust and confidence, and severely undermine the efforts to stabilize and improve bilateral relations," it stated.

"All diplomats are expected to conduct and express themselves in a manner befitting diplomatic envoys, especially on social media," it added.

The DFA stressed that "the Philippines values its relations with the People’s Republic of China", However it also noted that "the recent public statements of the Embassy do not reflect the longstanding spirit of constructive engagement between the two countries and the two foreign ministries."

"Such statements are not conducive to good relations nor to the effective discharge of diplomatic functions," the agency noted.

"The DFA likewise reiterates that it reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary," it added.

In a recent Facebook post, Chinese Embassy Manila called for the response of the DFA after it accused Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. of "openly challenging the one-China principle".

"Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gibo Teodoro is openly challenging the one-China principle. We want to know what is the response of DFA," the Embassy stated while sharing a Facebook post of Teodoro.

In his Facebook post, Teodoro expressed his gratitude to another person who posted about determining who is the troublemaker between China and the Philippines and highlighted a portion that says: "Taiwan - The People's Republic of China claims Taiwan, while Taiwan is self-governed".

A call to declare Jing persona non grata is growing despite a refusal recently made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Robina Asido/PHS