TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on Tuesday (Jan. 16) objected to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s congratulatory message to President-elect Lai Ching-te a day earlier.
Mao Ning, deputy director of information, argued that Marcos Jr.'s statement violates the "One China" principle and the diplomatic tie agreement between China and the Philippines.
China's Foreign Affairs office expressed grave dissatisfaction with Marcos Jr.'s remarks, staunchly opposing them and lodging a vehement protest to the Philippines.
Mao further revealed that an assistant minister of the Agricultural Finance Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador to China over the matter.
Mao reiterated that the electoral outcomes in the "Taiwan region" would not alter the established dynamics and course of the cross-strait relationship, nor prevent China's eventual reunification. She urged the Philippines to eschew playing with fire on Taiwan-related issues and promptly halt their erroneous statements and actions.
The Chinese official called for the Philippines to respect the "One China" principle, steering clear of comments and actions that misinterpret the delicate issue of Taiwan to maintain the robust and stable development of China-Philippine relations.