MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed concern over a statement by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines suggesting that strained bilateral relations could lead to job losses among Filipinos.

The DFA said it values cooperation with all countries across economic, cultural, and other sectors, noting that such engagements provide tangible benefits to the Philippines and its people.

However, the department took strong exception to the embassy’s tone, saying it could be perceived as coercive and undermining constructive dialogue.

“In the current atmosphere, this framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” the DFA said.

The department urged the Chinese Embassy “to adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges” while reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy to stabilize and advance bilateral relations despite existing differences.

The remarks from the Chinese Embassy came after some Philippine lawmakers criticized Chinese diplomats, with embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng warning that any downgrade in ties could have economic repercussions, potentially affecting millions of Filipino jobs.

Some lawmakers described the statement as a veiled economic threat, coming amid ongoing tensions over maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The disputes have included Philippine resupply missions and the presence of Chinese vessels within areas of the country’s exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines has consistently invoked its sovereign rights under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. China has rejected the ruling.

Despite maritime tensions, both countries have maintained economic and people-to-people exchanges, including trade, tourism, and investment engagements.

The DFA said it remains committed to diplomatic channels to manage disputes and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, emphasizing that responsible dialogue should guide public discourse.