China Protests Philippine Official’s Remarks as Tensions Flare Between Beijing and Manila

China has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the Philippines following social media remarks by a senior Philippine Coast Guard official that Beijing described as offensive and provocative. China’s embassy in Manila said it submitted complaints to the Philippine president’s office, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Philippine Coast Guard after Commodore Jay Tarriela posted comments directed at Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the remarks, accusing certain Philippine military officers of spreading disinformation for personal or political gain. Guo said such statements undermine regional stability and called on Philippine officials to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions or distort facts surrounding disputes in the South China Sea.

Relations between China and the Philippines have deteriorated in recent years amid competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, a vital global shipping route rich in fisheries and potential energy resources. Encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels, particularly involving coast guards, have become more frequent and confrontational, drawing concern from regional partners and the United States.

Beijing has repeatedly urged Manila to handle maritime disputes through dialogue and negotiation, while accusing the Philippines of emboldening tensions through public statements and closer security ties with Washington. The Philippines, for its part, has defended its actions as efforts to uphold international law and protect its sovereign rights.

The latest diplomatic exchange highlights the fragile state of China–Philippines relations, as both sides continue to trade accusations over conduct at sea and public rhetoric. Analysts warn that continued verbal and maritime confrontations could further strain ties and increase the risk of miscalculation in the contested waters.