Manila, Oct. 16 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday night flagged the "poor choice of words" made by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, who said China could "easily win" if it wants to use force.

The envoy, in an interview in Quezon City, said the region should even feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor, saying Beijing values peace and would not use force.

The DFA said Jing's remarks could be interpreted as a "thinly veiled threat of the use of force," which is unhelpful in complex Philippines-China relations.

"The business of diplomacy requires tact and restraint in order to create space necessary for discourse, dialogue, and engagement, regardless of the disparity in positions or perspectives," it said.

"It is re...