China summoned the Philippines’ ambassador on Tuesday and warned the country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory.
China was “strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes these remarks,” said the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, referring to the fact that Marcos congratulated Lai on Monday for winning Taiwan’s election and having referred to him as its next president.
“President Marcos’ comments constitute a serious violation of the one-China principle and (…) a serious violation of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs,” the spokeswoman said. Mao Ning.
“China lodged a strong protest with the Philippines” and summoned its ambassador “to give China a responsible explanation,” Mao said.
“We suggest that President Marcos reads more books to properly understand the intricacies of the Taiwan issue so as to draw the right conclusions.”
The Philippine Foreign Ministry in a statement on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s “one-China policy” and said Marcos’ message was intended to recognize the “mutual interests” of the Philippines and Taiwan, including 200,000 Filipino workers in the democratically governed island.
Asked by Reuters to comment on Beijing’s summoning of the Philippine envoy and China’s rebuke, Marcos’ office reiterated its previous statement on the “one-China policy.”
Beijing’s fury over the remarks is the latest in a succession of clashes between the Philippines and China, coming as Manila strengthens ties with the United States, including expanding an agreement on the use of its military bases throughout Washington.
By Mikhail Flores in Manila and Andrew Hayley in Beijing