Philippines reaffirms one-China policy

China slams Marcos’ congratulation of new Taiwan president

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos’ tweet congratulating Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te was his way of thanking Taiwan for hosting 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and holding a successful democratic process, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday, while reaffirming the country’s one-China policy.

In a statement, the DFA said the Philippines and Taiwan share mutual interests, which include the welfare of nearly 200,000 OFWs in Taiwan.

“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its one-China policy,” the DFA said.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, Marcos congratulated Lai on his election, saying he was looking forward to “close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.”

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president,” Marcos posted.

Beijing said the statement constituted “interference” in Chinese affairs and advised Marcos to “read more” on China-Taiwan history.

Lai thanked Marcos for the congratulatory message, saying he values the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines.

“I look forward to enhancing our economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace and prosperity in the region,” Lai said on X.

The Chinese embassy did not immediately comment on Marcos’ congratulatory
 message.

The DFA reaffirmed the principles contained in the Joint Communique of the Philippines and China signed by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Premier Zhou Enlai in June 1975.

“The Philippines is committed to its one-China policy,” the DFA said.

The Joint Communique states that the two governments agree to settle all disputes through peaceful means without resorting to the use or threat of force.

Philippines envoy summoned

Meanwhile, after Marcos congratulated Lai, China summoned Philippine Ambassador Jaime Florcruz and warned the Philippines “not to play with fire” on the Taiwan issue.

“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,” Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said during a conference.

“The Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes the remarks of Marcos,” Mao said.

Marcos told: Read more

She said Marcos’ remarks was a 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 said. “We advise President Marcos to read more to properly understand the history of the Taiwan issue so he can draw the right conclusions.”

Asked for comment, Malacañang said the DFA has already issued a statement on the matter.

“Please refer to the DFA statement released early today,” Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a text message yesterday. — Alexis Romero, Helen Flores