Chinese consul warns Cebu's WPS stand may hurt China ties

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhe on Monday warned that Cebu City’s decision to commemorate “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” could undermine its long-standing relationship with China, saying local leaders must decide whether they want “friendship” or “confrontation.”

This is China’s strongest public response yet to Cebu City’s resolution declaring July 12 as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day,” a measure the Chinese Consulate has repeatedly opposed for recognizing the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

Zhang made the remarks hours after Cebu City officials led by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña joined Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the landmark arbitral award at City Hall.

READ: Osmeña says Archival is ‘playing it safe’ on West Philippine Sea issue

The warning follows a formal diplomatic protest by the Chinese Consulate against the City Council resolution, which has already sparked backlash from local leaders and maritime experts.

While stressing that China values its historical, cultural and economic ties with Cebu, Zhang said the city’s recent actions could carry long-term consequences for bilateral relations.

“We value the relationship between China and Cebu. We all know that we have very close bonds, whether people-to-people or rooted in historical and cultural ties. Cebu City also has a sister-city relationship with China’s Xiamen,” Zhang said during a media briefing.

“As Chinese Consul General based in Cebu, I really did not expect such a blatant provocation taken by the Cebu City Council.”

‘Friendship or confrontation’

Zhang said Cebu City’s adoption of the resolution and Monday’s commemoration ceremony sent an unfavorable message to the Chinese people.

“These movements, including today’s so-called commemoration ceremony, send a message to the Chinese people on whether Cebu City chooses friendship or, instead, confrontation,” she said.

“Whether they want to move forward through exchanges and cooperation, or choose to provoke China and allow these negative movements to undermine the friendship between the two sides.”

She also questioned whether the actions genuinely serve Cebuanos.

READ: Cebu City backs observance of ‘WPS victory day’ on July 12

“Whether they truly serve the interests and well-being of the Cebuano people or not.”

Zhang said Cebu has long attracted Chinese visitors because of its openness and diverse culture, adding that she hopes more Cebuanos would continue promoting friendship and cooperation with China.

“I’m sure everything they said and everything they did will have direct or indirect impact—short-term or long-term impact—one way or another,” she said.

Teodoro sanctions

Asked about Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro’s participation in Monday’s commemoration at Cebu City Hall, Zhang reiterated Beijing’s sanctions against the Philippine defense chief.

“We all know this Defense Secretary. China has already imposed sanctions against him and his family,” Zhang said.

“He repeatedly makes groundless attacks and smears against China without any restraint.”

Zhang warned that continued actions by Philippine officials could damage bilateral relations.

“If the Philippines allows such individuals to repeatedly sabotage diplomacy and undermine the bilateral relationship, ultimately the Filipino people will bear all the consequences, which we don’t like to see,” she said.

On Osmeña, Archival

Zhang also addressed questions about his relationship with Cebu City officials following Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s admission that he has consistently declined invitations from the Chinese Consulate.

The consul said she had repeatedly tried to arrange a courtesy call with Osmeña since the vice mayor assumed office but never succeeded.

“This is something that also puzzles me. Since the vice mayor took office last year, I didn’t have any chance to pay a courtesy call on him,” Zhang said.

“Although I approached him to schedule a meeting, his answer was always ‘no.'”

She said one of his responsibilities as consul general involves strengthening mutual understanding between China and Cebu regardless of who occupies local elective posts.

“Whoever becomes mayor or vice mayor, I will always be very glad to meet with them, talk with them, and share ideas that will benefit our relationship and the friendship between the two sides,” she said.

Asked whether she felt supported by Mayor Nestor Archival, Zhang declined to comment directly.

“You need to ask him,” she told reporters.

Instead, she urged Filipinos to remain “sensible” and “cool-headed” in discussing relations between China and the Philippines.

She also criticized politicians whom she accused of using the “China card” for political purposes.

“In this country, it is nothing new to witness some politicians who like to play the ‘China card.’ They think it is easy to attack China and that they don’t need to pay any price for it,” Zhang said.

She added that the public could judge which leaders genuinely serve their constituents instead of pursuing political interests.

China rejects arbitral ruling

During the briefing, Zhang again rejected the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, calling it “illegal, null and void.”

She argued that the arbitral tribunal lacked jurisdiction because, according to Beijing, the dispute centered on territorial sovereignty, which China maintains falls outside the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

She also claimed that China has exercised sovereignty over the disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea for more than 2,000 years and maintained that the Philippines’ claims lack historical and legal basis.

The Philippine government, however, continues to recognize the 2016 arbitral award as final and legally binding under international law.

Growing diplomatic row

Cebu City’s declaration of July 12 as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day,” authored by Councilor Paul Labra, commemorates the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.

Beyond establishing a local observance, the resolution urges Congress to institutionalize July 12 as a nationwide “West Philippine Sea Victory Day.”

The issue has since triggered an escalating exchange between Chinese and Philippine officials.

Earlier on Monday, Vice Mayor Osmeña criticized Archival for what he described as a cautious approach to the controversy, saying the city should firmly defend Philippine sovereignty.

Defense Secretary Teodoro, who attended the commemorative flag ceremony at Cebu City Hall, likewise praised Cebu City for standing firm despite what he described as a “direct provocation” from foreign officials.

Archival has yet to issue a formal response to the Chinese Consulate’s diplomatic protest.

However, he earlier said he first wants to review the documents forwarded to his office while maintaining that the city seeks to preserve good relations with all parties.

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