The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was asked by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to “play a responsible role” in retraining “certain officials” from issuing unsavory remarks against China.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said this “will prevent any undermining or harm to ongoing diplomatic efforts” as the word war between Chinese diplomats and some Filipino officials and lawmakers shows no sign of abating.

“We urge the DFA to play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals in the Philippines from making such remarks,” Ji said a day after the DFA criticized the Chinese Embassy for issuing a veiled warning that Beijing may withhold economic cooperation with the Philippines, which could result to millions of Filipinos losing their jobs.

“China remains committed to managing differences and resolving disputes with the Philippine side through dialogue and consultation,” he said.

Ji did not identify the Philippine officials critical of China, but in January, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz to protest statements by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Tarriela has openly criticized China’s increasingly aggressive actions in waters.

The Chinese Embassy also pushed back against some senators, who accused Chinese diplomats of trying to silence an independent body like the senate from voicing out their opinions on China’s violations in the West Philippine Sea.

Strongly-worded statements and social media posts from the Chinese Embassy have persisted even after the DFA protested China’s behavior and conveyed its serious concerns with the escalation of its public exchanges with Filipino lawmakers and government officials defending Manila’s rights over the West Philippine Sea.

However, Ji stressed that the embassy will “firmly oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred.”

While the DFA expressed support for Philippine officials, including some senators who issued remarks in defense of the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights, it expressed concern that the verbal tussle with Chinese diplomats could “unnecessarily derail the diplomatic space needed to manage the tensions in the maritime domain.”