MANILA – The Chinse Embassy in Manila believes that China’s top diplomat is just doing his job to ensure a “better China-Philippines relations”.

In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy, it said that “Ambassador Huang (Xilian) is doing his job for (a) better China-Philippines relations”.

This is after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. thumbs down appeals to recall or send Huang home to China following a succession of incidents involving China Coast Guard vessels shadowing, bullying and using water cannons against vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Coast Guard vessels undergoing humanitarian and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon the Chinese ambassador for an explanation regarding the incidents.

Speaking to reporters last Monday, Marcos said Huang’s act of conveying the Chinese government’s narrative is part of his work.

“I think Ambassador Huang is just doing his job, he is continuing to state the Chinese narrative. Of course, we don’t agree with the narrative. But I think I cannot see him doing anything else,” Marcos said.

Marcos also pointed out that appointing Huang’s replacement would not change anything and he prefers to discuss the tension between the Philippines and China in a peaceful manner.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy is hopeful that the bilateral relations next year will bring more benefits for both peoples of China and the Philippines.