The Philippines has summoned China’s ambassador to Manila after he said Beijing could “easily win” a conflict between the two countries, TRT World reported.

Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro conveyed Manila’s “serious concern and strong objection” to Ambassador Jing Quan over his public remarks on October 15, according to the outlet. The ambassador said the Philippines should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor and that Beijing would not choose force: “If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force, and we love peace,” he said.