Chinese Embassy seeks probe into anti-China casket display

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday called on Philippine authorities to investigate the display of caskets carrying anti-China messages in several areas of Metro Manila and take measures to protect Chinese diplomatic personnel.

In a statement, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng condemned the incident as “a blatant act of political provocation, personal attack, and intimidation and threat,” describing it as an especially serious offense.

Ji said the embassy had made what it described as “solemn representations” to the Philippine government.

It called for a thorough investigation, the prosecution of those responsible and measures to safeguard Chinese diplomatic and consular missions and personnel in the Philippines.

The remarks came hours after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the display of caskets bearing anti-Chinese messages found across Metro Manila.

The DFA said threats or acts of violence against foreign nationals and officials cannot be tolerated.

The department also said the Philippine government takes seriously its obligations to ensure the safety and security of foreign nationals and officials in the country under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

It added that it is coordinating with law enforcement authorities investigating the incident.

Police earlier recovered five wooden caskets in Santa Cruz, Manila; Barangay 54 in Caloocan City; Barangay South Triangle and Barangay Santa Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City, according to the National Capital Region Police.

Some also contained photographs of Chinese officials.

Ji said the incident showed that “there are always people who, out of ulterior motives, spare no effort to stoke hatred and incite confrontation between the Chinese and Philippine peoples.”

Despite the incident, he said the embassy remains committed to stable bilateral ties.

“The noises spreading hatred or fueling confrontation will not shake our confidence in stabilizing and developing China-Philippines relations,” Ji said.

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