China Warns Philippines Not To Play With Fire

China summoned the Philippine ambassador on Tuesday after President Ferdinand Marcos expressed interest in cooperating with Taiwanese president-elect Lai Ching-te.

At a regular press conference, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “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”.

“The Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes Marcos’s remarks”, Mao continued.

On Saturday, Lai, who favors Independence, easily won Taiwan’s presidential election.

China considers the democratic island to be part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim it, using force if necessary.

Beijing does not maintain diplomatic relations with countries that recognize Taiwan and opposes international power’s official communications with Taipei.

Marcos congratulated Lai on his election in a social media post on Monday, saying he looked forward to close collaboration with him.

Mao went on to say, “The remarks are a serious violation of the One China Principle… a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs”.

“We are telling the Philippine side not to play with fire on the Taiwan issue… and to stop immediately its wrongful words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues and sending wrong signals to separatist forces for Taiwan independence”, Mao noted.

“We advise President Marcos to read more to properly understand the history of the Taiwan issue so that he can draw the right conclusions”, Mao added.

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