MANILA – China called out Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s remarks to Taiwan, saying he is sending “erroneous” signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces.
In a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, it urges the Philippines to “earnestly abide” by the One-China principle and “stop the wrong words and deeds” on Taiwan-related issues.
The Embassy also called Marcos’ remarks as “an act of gross interference” in China’s internal affairs and strongly opposes such remarks and has made immediate demarches to the Philippines from both Beijing and Manila.
China’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine Ambassador on Tuesday and made “solemn representations, and urged the Philippines to give China a responsible explanation”, after Marcos congratulated the winner of Taiwan’s presidential election Lai Ching-te via X (former Twitter).
In a statement, Marcos congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai and said that the Philippines “looks forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) later released a statement, explaining that the message of President Marcos was “his way of thanking them (Taiwan) for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process.”
“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the DFA added.
The Chinese Embassy emphasized that the One-China principle is its political premise on which China establishes and develops diplomatic relations with 182 countries, including the Philippines.
“The Philippines made a solemn commitment to this in the Joint Communique of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Subsequent Philippine administrations have adhered to the one-China policy,” the Chinese Embassy said.
