President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (2nd from right) summons Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan (3rd from right) to Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) following the Chinese Coast Guard’s assault on Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal | Photo via PCO
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to Malacañan Palace following the violent confrontation at Ayungin Shoal that left a Philippine Navy (PN) sailor injured. The meeting, confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, centered on the “latest maritime incident in the West Philippine Sea and its implications on national security”.
A PN member sustained a head injury after being struck with a wooden baton by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel during a close-range encounter near the BRP Sierra Madre on Monday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that a CCG rigid hull inflatable boat carrying eight personnel “reacted violently and aggressively,” damaging a PN rubber boat operating within an area where the Philippines “enjoys sovereign rights under international law”.
Summons Focused on Security Concerns and CCG Harassment
Castro said Marcos condemned the CCG’s harassment of Filipino personnel stationed at Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing that the assault was unacceptable. “It concerns national security, but we will give additional information once we are allowed to do so,” Castro told reporters, underscoring the gravity of the incident and the sensitivity of ongoing discussions.
The President’s decision to summon the envoy came amid rising tensions following the release of a controversial China Daily video portraying Filipinos as monkeys manipulated by foreign powers before being thrown into the sea and blasted with water cannons. The video, uploaded July 10, has drawn widespread condemnation in Manila for its racist imagery and inflammatory messaging.
The Philippines maintains that Ayungin Shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. China continues to reject the ruling.
Chinese Ambassador’s Remarks During the Meeting
While the Palace has yet to release a full transcript, officials familiar with the meeting said Ambassador Jing reiterated Beijing’s position that the CCG acted “within China’s jurisdiction,” a stance consistent with China’s longstanding rejection of the arbitral ruling. According to a senior official present at the meeting, Jing stressed that China “does not seek escalation” but insisted that Philippine vessels “avoid provocative actions” near Ayungin Shoal — remarks aligned with Beijing’s usual diplomatic messaging.
Castro confirmed only that the President and the ambassador “discussed the latest maritime incident involving the CCG and PN personnel,” declining to elaborate on the specifics of Jing’s statements pending further clearance.
Outcome: Marcos Demands Accountability, Further Talks Expected
Sources said Marcos conveyed “strong disapproval” of the CCG’s actions and demanded assurances that such assaults would not recur. The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to continue diplomatic engagement, though no formal resolution was announced.
A Palace official described the meeting as “frank but constructive,” noting that Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its personnel and upholding international law. Further briefings are expected once the National Security Council completes its assessment.
