If we want to use force, we may easily win, but no, we will not choose force, and we love peace.” These were the words of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan that provoked condemnation from numerous Filipino lawmakers, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros ultimately proposing that the ambassador be considered a persona non grata. The Chinese embassy seemed undeterred, however, and doubled down, saying, “On maritime disputes, China has exercised great restraint. However, the Philippines should not take it as weakness and further challenge our patience regardless of boundary and bottom line.” It also singled out the House legislators who released a statement critical of the Chinese ambassador’s statements, with the embassy reposting the statement with the caption, “Put on record. You are now on the list.”

A closer look at the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s X account would show a consistent pattern of stern rebukes and criticisms against individual Filipino government officials as well as against the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Honestly, I had to check whether this was a genuine account, as this was highly atypical of a diplomatic office whose goal is supposedly to strengthen bilateral relations.

It so happened that I was able to visit the Office of Protocol at the DFA recently to provide a talk on mental health. From the few stories that were shared, it was evident that they are consummate professionals. They are always careful and mindful of their words, with meticulous attention to detail. They carried themselves with grace, despite admissions that they rarely sleep. They shared stories of being assigned to countries with harsh, depressing winters and of bombs flying overhead. They shared where they were when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and how they addressed the fatalities among Filipino nurses. They talked of providing assistance to Filipinos who needed help, sometimes having to accompany them home themselves. They also shared the strain of their job on their families, who either have to travel and adjust with them or who have to be left behind. Their role requires that they keep calm during a crisis, of which there was plenty (and seemingly never-ending). Their job exposes them to a variety of personalities, both powerful and small, and they are tasked—no matter what—to stay professional.