FL Liza’s brief encounter with Chinese envoy not indicative of PH policy — Palace

Malacañang on Monday said First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos’ attendance at an event where she briefly encountered Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian does not reflect the country’s policy direction.

Over the weekend, the Chinese Embassy in Manila shared a photo of the First Lady with the Chinese envoy, amid an exchange of sharp statements between Philippine and Chinese officials over issues involving the country’s rights and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the brief interaction should not be linked to diplomatic matters.

“Unang-una po, kung dumalo man ang ating Unang Ginang sa mga public consular events, hindi po ito nagre-reflect ng policy direction at hindi po ito nali-link sa anumang diplomatic matters,” Castro said.

She added that lawmakers are aware that only the President has the authority to declare a foreign official persona non grata.

“Alam naman po ng mga mambabatas na ang Pangulo po ang may authority kung magde-declare man ng isang tao bilang persona non grata. Kaya wala pong masasabi na political impasse,” Castro said.

Asked whether the “pleasant conversation” between the First Lady and the Chinese envoy could help de-escalate the ongoing war of words between legislators and the Chinese Embassy, Castro said China is aware that the Marcos administration prioritizes diplomacy in resolving disputes.

“Alam naman po ng bansang China na ang ating Pangulo at ang administrasyong ito ay tanging diplomasya ang nais para maayos kung anuman ang isyu,” she said.

“So malamang po, hindi na kinakailangan na magkaroon ng init o initan sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa,” Castro added.

Earlier, Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not declare the Chinese envoy persona non grata despite calls from some legislators to expel Chinese embassy officials over the West Philippine Sea dispute.

At least 15 senators have signed a proposed resolution denouncing recent statements made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.—MCG, GMA Integrated News