A Chinese Embassy official has questioned the use of the word “treason” in relation to Filipinos who express support for China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a report by the Manila Bulletin.
The comments were made in response to a statement attributed to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suggesting that backing China’s positions in the contested waters could be considered an act of treason.
The Chinese Embassy official criticised that framing and challenged the basis for applying such a label to individuals who take that view, the report said.
The exchange reflects the sensitivity around competing claims and public messaging connected to the WPS, a term used in the Philippines for maritime areas in the South China Sea where multiple countries assert overlapping rights and jurisdiction.
While the Manila Bulletin report did not detail the full content of the Chinese Embassy official’s remarks, it described them as critical of the PCG’s characterisation and focused on the issue of branding supporters of China’s claims as traitors.
No additional information was provided in the source material about any follow-up actions, official meetings, or formal diplomatic steps related to the comments.
The development adds to a series of public statements and counter-statements that have accompanied maritime tensions in the region. Officials in Manila and Beijing have frequently issued responses to each other’s positions on the WPS and related maritime activities.
The report also did not include any wider context on the specific incident or communication that prompted the PCG’s original statement, or whether the remarks were made during a briefing, interview, or official announcement.
The Chinese Embassy’s response, as reported, centres on contesting the appropriateness of associating domestic legal concepts such as treason with opinions or positions related to China’s maritime claims.