Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the ambassador’s remarks sounded 'very much like a threat' and were 'not a very diplomatic statement to be made'. (EPA Images pic)MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may summon China’s ambassador, who appeared to suggest Beijing could easily win a conflict with the Philippines if it used force.

“It sounds very much to me like a threat and it’s not a very diplomatic statement to be made,” Marcos told reporters Friday. “We perhaps would like to understand what exactly it is that he means.”

Asked whether he would call in the envoy, “I think that deserves a discussion between the ambassador and myself,” Marcos said.

Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said after a speech in Quezon City on Thursday that if his country wanted to use force, “we may easily win.” He added in comments to reporters: “But no, we will not use force. We love peace.”