Manila, Oct. 15 -- Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, on Thursday described as a direct threat the statement of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan that Beijing could "easily win" if it used force.

Jing made the remark in an ambush interview after delivering the keynote speech at a dialogue at the Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City on Thursday. He, however, said China would not use force and that the region should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor.

"And we love peace. And in this region, we enjoy the peace," he said.

In a statement, Tarriela said Jing is a guest in the Philippines, which received and accredited him and extended to him the courtesies du...