China warns PH 'not to play with fire' after Marcos remarks on Taiwan

BEIJING/MANILA — China has 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.

China was "strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely opposes these remarks," its foreign ministry spokesperson said, referring to Marcos congratulating Lai on Monday for winning Taiwan's election and referring to him as its next president.

"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 told a regular briefing.

"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."

China has also summoned the Philippine ambassador to China over the matter.

In Manila, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy said, "China strongly opposes such remarks, and has made immediate and solemn démarches to the Philippines from both Beijing and Manila." 

"There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China," the spokesperson said.

"Following the elections in Taiwan, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to the one-China policy." 

"Relevant remarks by the Philippine leader 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," the spokesperson said.

"We urge the Philippine side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle, stop the wrong words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues, prudently and properly handle the Taiwan-related issues."

'One China Policy'

The Philippines' Foreign Affairs Department issued a statement earlier in the day reaffirming the country's "One China policy" and said the message of Marcos intended to recognize the Philippines and Taiwan's "mutual interests," including 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island.

It said the message "was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy."

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil earlier told Palace reporters to refer to the statement that was released by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Beijing's fury over the remarks is the latest in a succession of clashes between the Philippines and China, which come as Manila bolsters ties with former colonial ruler the United States, including expanding an agreement on Washington's use of its military bases.

Other leaders have also congratulated Lai on his victory, with many, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, calling for peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Separately, Taiwan's foreign ministry expressed its thanks to Marcos, saying Taiwan and the Philippines "share values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law" and Taiwan would further deepen cooperation and exchanges."

The Philippines has unofficial ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. — Reuters with a report from Michaela del Callar/NB, GMA Integrated News