MANILA, Philippines: The Chinese Embassy in Manila has recently confirmed that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing, Jaime FlorCruz, in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s newly elected leader, Lai Ching-te. This development has sparked tensions between the two countries.
The embassy officially confirmed the statement made by the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Mao Ning, who expressed China’s strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to President Marcos Jr.’s message during a press conference on Tuesday. Mao Ning further revealed that Assistant Minister Nong Rong had summoned the Philippine ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, to convey China’s concerns and demand a responsible explanation from the Philippine side.
In response to the situation, the Philippines, through its Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has reiterated its commitment to the “One China Policy.” This policy asserts that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of it. The DFA emphasized this stance after President Marcos Jr. posted his congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter).
President Marcos Jr.’s message read, “On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president. We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our people.”
In a gracious reply, President-elect Lai Ching-te also responded to Marcos, expressing his appreciation for the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines. Lai Ching-te conveyed his eagerness to enhance economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region.
The DFA clarified that the Philippines and Taiwan share mutual interests, including the welfare of nearly 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan. The message from President Marcos Jr. was his way of expressing gratitude to Taiwan for hosting these OFWs and for successfully conducting a democratic process.
However, it is crucial to note that despite the President’s message, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to the One China Policy. The Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized this point to ensure that there is no ambiguity regarding the country’s official stance on the matter.
The diplomatic incident between China and the Philippines highlights the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance required when navigating sensitive issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting each country’s sovereignty, as well as the need for open and constructive dialogue to resolve any differences that may arise.
In conclusion, the Chinese Embassy’s summoning of the Philippine Ambassador over President Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s newly elected leader has underscored the significance of adhering to the One China Policy. While the Philippines maintains its commitment to this policy, it also recognizes the importance of fostering positive relationships with Taiwan, particularly in terms of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers. The incident serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in international diplomacy and the need for respectful dialogue to address any tensions that may arise.
Source: The Manila Times
