BEIJING. Tensions escalated between China and the Philippines as China’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador on Tuesday to express strong disapproval over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s presidential election winner, Lai Ching-te.
Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the media, asserting that Marcos’s remarks had “seriously violated the political commitments made by the Philippines to China and rudely interfered in China’s internal affairs.” China considers Taiwan as part of its own territory and condemns any statements that recognize the legitimacy of Taiwan’s government.
“We would like to sternly tell the Philippines not to play with fire on the Taiwan issue… (and) immediately stop making wrong words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues, and stop sending any wrong signals to Taiwan independence and separatist forces,” Mao declared.
Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Nong Rong reportedly summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China and conveyed “solemn representations,” urging the Philippines to provide China with a “responsible explanation.”
President Marcos Jr. had extended his congratulations to Taiwan’s president-elect on Monday, expressing anticipation for “close collaboration” and the “strengthening of mutual interests.” Lai Ching-te, despised by Beijing, has committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s de facto independence and aligning it more closely with other democracies.
In his statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said, “On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president.”
China’s reaction mirrored its response to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s congratulatory message to Lai, where the Foreign Ministry claimed that Blinken’s words “send a gravely wrong signal to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.” The ministry argued that such congratulations contradicted the U.S.’ commitment to maintaining only unofficial ties with Taiwan.
The exchange of diplomatic protests highlights the longstanding sensitive nature of Taiwan’s status and the complexities surrounding international recognition, with China asserting its territorial claims and opposing any actions that could be perceived as endorsing Taiwan’s independence.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
