The Chinese Embassy in Manila announced on Friday that China’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the Philippine ambassador to Beijing over what it described as “inflammatory and confrontational” remarks made by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy described Tarriela’s comments as a “disinformation and smear campaign” against China.

The embassy said that Beijing’s Foreign Ministry summoned Philippine Ambassador Jaime Flor Cruz to “again lodge serious protest” over the PCG spokesperson’s social media posts.

“Earlier this week, we stated China’s serious position on the remarks by this ‘spokesperson’ of the Philippine Coast Guard,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a press briefing.

“Head of Chinese MFA’s Department of Asian Affairs summoned Philippine Ambassador to China this morning to once again lodge serious protest,” he added.

Jiakun also said the Philippines side has long turned a blind eye to its Coast Guard ‘spokesperson.’”

"It must be stressed that the Philippine side has long turned a blind eye to its Coast Guard “spokesperson” making inflammatory, confrontational, misleading and baseless remarks against China on maritime issues. China does not accept that," he said.

China’s Foreign Ministry demanded that the Philippines "undo the negative impact" of Tarriela’s actions “as soon as possible” and urged Manila to “stop tolerating” what it described as smear campaign and provocative actions.

Earlier, The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement affirming its support for government officials and institutions performing their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

The DFA also emphasized that differences between states are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges.