China warned the Philippines “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory on Monday, January 15.
“This morning, Assistant Minister Nong Rong summoned the ambassador of the Philippines to China to make solemn representations and urge the Philippine side to give the Chinese side a responsible explanation,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference.
“The relevant remarks of President Marcos constitute a serious violation of the One China principle and … a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs,” spokesperson Mao Ning said.
“China has lodged a strong protest with the Philippines at the earliest opportunity,” and summoned its ambassador “to give China a responsible explanation”, Mao said.
“We suggest that President Marcos read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions,” she added.
On the same day, the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines released a statement reiterating the nation’s commitment to the “One China policy” following Marcos’ remarks.
The Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that Marcos’ congratulatory message to the new Taiwanese president was a gesture of gratitude for hosting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and conducting a successful democratic process.
“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the DFA said.
Taiwan hosts almost 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), predominantly employed in factories, as reported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In a bilateral meeting in May 2023, Marcos and U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Following a civil war in 1949, China and Taiwan went separate ways. Since then, China has regarded democratic Taiwan as an integral part of its territory.
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