Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela has no plans to apologize to the Chinese government for the alleged caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In his Facebook, Tarriela posted a photo of  him giving a speech, with a background featuring a compilation of comical images of Xi under the banner “Why China remains to be bully?”

In a statement, the Chinese embassy said Tarriela’s post was “a serious violation of China’s political dignity and a blatant political provocation, which has crossed the red line.”

During the news forum, Tarriela said he does not see the reason to do so.

“There is no authority for the Chinese embassy for us to explain. Why would I apologize? Because of the caricature? I didn’t even mention na si President Xi Jinping yun,” the official told reporters.

“Sino ba ang mga caricature na ginawan na rin nila na national leader? Ang intention talaga ng Chinese embassy is to justify yung panawagan nila to silence me,” he added.

The West Philippine Sea, which Beijing claims historic rights to despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, has been the site of repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels.

The PCG reported on Tuesday it rescued a Filipino fishing vessel being harassed by Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.