President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Screenshot of RTVM streaming
MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that the statement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the recent elections in Taiwan “gravely violated” the one-China principle, as well as the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On Monday, Marcos posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, that congratulated Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te on the recent elections.
“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next President,” he said.
“We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead,” he added.
However, these statements did not fare well with China, according to Mao which allegedly blatantly interfered in China’s internal affairs.
“The remarks of Philippines’ President gravely violate the one-China principle and the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, seriously go against the Philippines’ political commitments to China, and blatantly interfere in China’s internal affairs,” Mao said.
Mao also said that Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong has summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz to “lodge serious démarche” and to “urge the Philippines to present a responsible response to China.”
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“China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has immediately lodged strong representations to the Philippine side,” she continued.
READ: China summons PH ambassador after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai
The official also said that the country should not “play with fire” and to “stop the wrong words and deeds” on Taiwan-related issues.
“We would like to make it clear to the Philippines that it should refrain from playing with fire on the Taiwan question, earnestly abide by the-one China principle and the joint communiqué of establishing diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines, immediately stop the wrong words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues and stop sending any wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces,” Mao added.
“We suggest President Marcos read more to develop a proper understanding of the ins and outs of the Taiwan question and come to a right conclusion,” she concluded.