Palace to China: PH is no one's 'chess piece'

''The Philippines is no one’s chess piece, we are an independent country.''

This was the response of Malacañang on the statement of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun that the Philippines should stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece. 

''Well, if China really believes and [is] concerned about peace and stability in the region, they should abide by the international law, they should also respect the sovereignty of each country,'' Castro said during a briefing.

China had issued a warning to the Philippines ahead of United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's scheduled visit to Manila, saying that the Philippine government should avoid being used as "chess pieces" in regional power plays.

Castro underscored that the Philippines is an independent nation, adding that no other country can intervene with our activities. 

''So, kung anuman po ang ating gagawin, kung anuman po ang ating magiging proyekto patungkol sa ating military operations, ito po naman ay nasa atin na po, wala pong puwedeng makialam dito. Tayo po ay independent at walang dapat manghimasok sa anuman po na desisyon ng ating pamahalaan,'' Castro said.

(Whatever activities and projects we will have as regards our military operations, this is ours and no one can intervene with us. We are independent and no other nation can intervene with our decision.)

Upon arrival in Manila, Hegseth is expected to have a meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on March 28, Friday, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The US Defense Department earlier said that Hegseth's visit aims to "drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific."

In the Philippines, Hegseth is also expected to “advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces.” --VAL, GMA Integrated News