MANILA, Philippines – Beijing vent its fury at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following his congratulatory statement to newly-elected Taiwan president Lai Ching-te.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told journalists in a regular briefing that Marcos Jr.’s statement “seriously violated” the Philippines’ political commitment and “rudely interfered” with China’s internal affairs.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s message of congratulations on the Taiwan election is a grave violation of the one-China principle and the communiqué on the establishment of China-Philippine diplomatic relations and a breach of the Philippines’ political commitment to China,” Mao said Tuesday.
Mao’s remarks came just a day after Marcos Jr. congratulated President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next President.
According to Mao, China is “strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes” the statement released by the Philippine president. She said she “summoned” by Assistant Minister Nong Rong who asked her to make solemn representations.
Marcos was urged to give China a “responsible explanation,” she said.
In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that Marcos’ congratulatory message was his way of “thanking” Taiwan for hosting overseas Filipino workers in the country and for holding a “democratic process.”
As of writing, both the DFA and Marcos have yet to release a statement regarding China’s condemnation.
Latest figures from the foreign affairs bureau showed that nearly 200,000 OFWs are currently stationed in Taiwan.
“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” DFA Spokesperson Teresita Daza told reporters in a text message.
Prior to the outburst of the Chinese authorities, the DFA had already “reaffirmed” its adherence to the “One China Policy” and maintained its position in accordance with the Joint Communique of the Philippine government and the People’s Republic of China.
The Joint Communique was signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Premier Zhou Enlai on June 9, 1975.
Under the communique, China and the Philippines pledged to “settle all disputes by peaceful means… without resorting to the use or threat of force.”
Tensions and political strife arose during the 2024 Taiwanese General Election, which took place last Saturday, January 13. After receiving 5,586,019 votes, or 40.05 percent of the total vote cast in Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, the current vice president of Taiwan, was proclaimed the country’s new president, defying Beijing’s warnings that the elections could worsen the political unrest between China and Taiwan itself.
Lai will succeed the current Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who has been serving as the chief executive of Taiwan since 2016.
