CHINA SUMMONS PH ENVOY FOLLOWING MARCOS’ CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO TAIWAN NEWLY-ELECTED PRESIDENT

THE Chinese Embassy in Manila has confirmed that its Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s newly-elected leader Lai Ching-te.

Marcos on Monday congratulated Taiwan’s pro-democracy leader Lai Ching-te after winning the presidential election on Saturday, a move that drew a strong rebuke from China.

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s current vice president from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been advocating sovereignty and resistance against intimidation, threats, and military pressure from China.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next President,” Marcos said.

“We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead,” he added.

Lai responded also on X to Marcos, saying: “I deeply value the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines. I look forward to enhancing our economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace and prosperity in the region.”

In a press conference Tuesday, China Ministry of Foreign affairs spokesman Mao Ning said “the Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes to this.

“This morning, Assistant Minister Nong Rong summoned the ambassador of the Philippines to China to make solemn representations and urge the Philippine side to give the Chinese side a responsible explanation,” Ning said.

The  Chinese official said Marcos seriously violated the One China policy.

She urged the Philippine government to “immediately stop erroneous words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues, and stop sending any wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”

“We suggest that President Marcos read more books to correctly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue so as to draw correct conclusions,” the spokesperson added.

In the same press conference, Ning urged other countries to uphold the One China policy and reminded them not to meddle with the China-Taiwan conflict.

“The elections of the Taiwan region are China’s internal affairs,” she said.

“Regardless of the result, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not be changed,” she added.

The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday reaffirmed its One China policy.

According to the DFA, the Philippines and Taiwan share mutual interests, which include the welfare of nearly 200,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan.

“The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process,” the DFA explained.