Former House quad-committee chairman Robert Ace Barbers urged China to stop intimidating the Philippines after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said Beijing could “easily win” a conflict through force.
Barbers described the envoy’s remarks as arrogant and said threats disguised as calls for peace have no place in diplomatic relations.
He stressed that the Philippines can defend its sovereignty through international law, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected the legal basis of China’s expansive nine-dash-line claim.
Barbers also accused Beijing of spreading disinformation and distorting facts to justify its actions in the West Philippine Sea.
He called on China to respect international law, end its alleged bullying, and demonstrate its commitment to peace through actions rather than threats.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 17, 2026
