My Take | How China’s assertive diplomacy has reached ‘another level of disrespect’ and become the new normal

AdvertisementThe PhilippinesThis Week in AsiaOpinionMaria SiowMy Take | How China’s assertive diplomacy has reached ‘another level of disrespect’ and become the new normalChinese ambassador

to the Philippines Huang Xilian and his counterparts have come under scrutiny more than once for their controversial commentsSuch assertive diplomacy could come off as ‘bullying’ other

nations and undo the hard work China has put into building bilateral ties with neighboursReading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMP50Maria SiowPublished: 10:00am, 15 Dec 2023Few countries’

diplomats have generated as much controversy in recent months as those from China.AdvertisementTake the most recent incident where Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian was

said to have confronted and aggressively pointed at his host country’s armed forces chief, General Romeo Brawner Jnr, while saying “don’t provoke us”. Describing Huang’s behaviour as “very

hostile”, Philippine Senator JV Ejercito said in an interview with Filipino media on Tuesday that an ambassador should not be “disrespectful” and “rude”, especially to a high-ranking

government official.

“Imagine, Huang is bullying our chief of staff … that’s probably another level of disrespect,” Ejercito said, adding that Beijing should recall the envoy.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (centre) welcomes the arrival of a Chinese naval training ship for a goodwill visit at Manila’s port in June. Photo: APSome Filipinos have

called for the Chinese embassy and all consulates in the Philippines to be shut, while others suggested Manila should stop recognising the one-China principle, which states that Taiwan is

part of China.AdvertisementAdvertisement