China has lodged a diplomatic protest with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s new leader, Dr. Lai Ching-te. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its concern and called for a responsible response from the Philippines.
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mao Ning, Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, to express their serious concerns. Mao emphasized the importance of President Marcos gaining a proper understanding of the complexities surrounding the Taiwan question before drawing any conclusions.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila also expressed its disapproval, highlighting that President Marcos was the only head of state among the 182 countries with diplomatic relations with China to congratulate Lai. The embassy spokesperson stated that Marcos’ remarks seriously violated the “One China” principle and constituted interference in China’s internal affairs.
China strongly opposes such remarks and has made immediate and solemn démarches to both Beijing and Manila. The embassy reiterated that there is only one China in the world, with Taiwan being an integral part of China’s territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is recognized as the sole legal government representing the entire country.
The embassy emphasized that the one-China principle is the political premise on which China establishes and develops diplomatic relations with 182 countries, including the Philippines. It is a universally recognized basic norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community.
The Philippines committed to upholding the one-China principle in a joint communique with China in 1975. The embassy noted that subsequent Philippine administrations have adhered to the one-China policy. In response to the recent elections in Taiwan, the Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the one-China policy.
The embassy expressed concern that the Philippine leader’s remarks contradicted the one-China principle and sent erroneous signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. They urged the Philippine side to abide by the one-China principle, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, and refrain from making any wrong statements or actions.
Mao reiterated that Marcos’ remarks went against the Philippines’ political commitments to China and blatantly interfered in China’s internal affairs. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this, and has lodged strong representations to the Philippine side.
Mao emphasized that the election result in Taiwan cannot change the dynamics and direction of cross-Strait relations. China remains determined to achieve reunification and urged the Philippines to refrain from making any statements or actions that could support “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
China’s strong reaction has prompted Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel 3rd to remind the President to exercise caution when making foreign policy statements on China and Taiwan. Pimentel emphasized the importance of aligning actions with official positions, highlighting the Philippines’ adherence to the “One China” policy. He urged the President to continue adhering to this policy and to be sensitive to China’s perspective.
In conclusion, China’s diplomatic protest over President Marcos’ congratulatory message to Taiwan’s new leader highlights the sensitivity surrounding the “One China” policy. The Chinese government firmly upholds the one-China principle and expects other countries, including the Philippines, to do the same. It is crucial for all parties involved to handle Taiwan-related issues prudently and avoid actions or statements that could be seen as supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
Source: The Manila Times
