Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan walked into Malacañang on Friday for the Independence Day Vin d'Honneur reception hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — a move that raised eyebrows given the ongoing tensions over the West Philippine Sea.
The reception, a traditional gathering for diplomats and top officials, became awkward when the envoy from Beijing showed up. The Philippines has been locked in a standoff with China over the latter's aggressive actions in the WPS, including recent confrontations at Ayungin Shoal and Sabina Shoal.
Jing Quan's presence at the event was unexpected. In diplomatic circles, attending a host country's national day celebration is usually a gesture of goodwill. But given the context, many saw it as tone-deaf — or worse, a provocation.
President Marcos didn't publicly acknowledge the ambassador during the event, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. The Palace hasn't issued a statement on the matter as of press time.
The Philippine government has repeatedly protested China's incursions into its exclusive economic zone. Just last month, the Coast Guard reported harassment of Filipino fishermen near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
Jing Quan, who presented his credentials to Marcos in December 2023, has been a key figure in the diplomatic back-and-forth. He has defended China's claims in the South China Sea, calling them "indisputable" in previous statements.
The Vin d'Honneur is a staple of the Philippine diplomatic calendar, held every June 12 to mark the country's declaration of independence from Spain in 1898. This year's celebration was the 128th anniversary.
For many Filipinos, the ambassador's attendance felt like an uninvited guest showing up at a family party. Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to anger, with netizens calling him an "ungrateful guest."
The incident underscores the fragile state of Philippines-China relations. Despite economic ties, the territorial dispute remains a deep wedge. The Duterte administration had taken a softer stance, but Marcos has shifted back to a firmer position. That includes renewing the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US and allowing more American access to Philippine bases.
What happens next isn't clear. The Department of Foreign Affairs hasn't commented on whether Jing Quan was formally invited or simply showed up. Diplomatic protocol usually requires an RSVP, but it's not uncommon for ambassadors to attend without explicit invitation.
For now, the image of the Chinese ambassador sipping wine at Malacañang while Chinese coast guard vessels harass Filipino fishermen will stick in the public mind.