MANILA — China has rejected the Philippine Senate’s resolution condemning statements made by its embassy in Manila, calling the measure “anti-China.”

Ji Lingpeng, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy, accused some Philippine lawmakers of “repeatedly resort[ing] to threats and intimidation against Chinese diplomats” while claiming to represent public opinion, but “actually twist facts and mislead the public.”

“The said senate resolution is nothing but a political stunt. We firmly reject and strongly condemn the said anti-China resolution,” Ji said.

The Philippine Senate on Monday, February 9, approved Senate Resolution No. 256, which denounced the language used by a Chinese embassy official against Filipino officials who criticized China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. The resolution, authored by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, also affirmed the Philippine government’s right to assert and defend its sovereign interests in accordance with international law.

According to Ji, it was “outrageous” and “hard to understand” that lawmakers would condone and support a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson allegedly smearing the leader of another country. He added that lawmakers “know little about how diplomacy works” and accused them of undermining efforts to improve China–Philippines relations for political gain.

“There are two ways to deal” with the issue, Ji said. “One is to say a firm, loud, and clear ‘no,’ without hesitation, to condemn it and reject it outright. The other is to keep advancing China–Philippines cooperation and exchanges… We choose both.”

He maintained that no matter how many “anti-China” resolutions Filipino lawmakers introduce, “it will not in the slightest weaken the Chinese embassy’s resolve to fight the malicious moves against China to the very end. Not a chance,” he added.