China asks PH to have consistent stand on ‘One China Policy’

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the navy’s capability demonstration aboard the Philippine navy ship BRP Davao del Sur, a Tarlac-class landing platform dock, off Zambales, facing the South China Sea on May 19, 2023. (Photo by ALI VICOY / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — China on Wednesday asked the Philippines to have a consistent stand on One China Policy.

This, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te for winning the presidential election.

”Our message to the Philippine side is clear and consistent. No different positions to [the] Department of Foreign Affairs or your ambassador or President Marcos,” China told reporters in a Viber message.

READ: China summons PH ambassador after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai

The Chinese embassy likewise noted that President Marcos was the “only head of state to congratulate Lai among 182 countries which establish diplomatic relations with China.”

INQUIRER.net has sought the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) comment on these remarks, but it has yet to respond as of writing.

The agency, however, previously explained that President Marcos’ controversial congratulatory message to Lai was only his way of thanking them for hosting nearly 200,000 Taiwan-based Filipino workers.

“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” DFA told reporters then.

Despite reaffirming its commitment to the policy, the Philippines was criticized by China, pointing out that President Marcos’ remarks are “at odds” with the one-China Principle and contradict the statement of the Philippine government, sending out erroneous signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.