Beijing warns Manila to stop ‘playing with fire’ after Marcos makes Taiwan remarks
Philippine president’s contention that his country would ‘have to get involved’ in US-China confrontation prompts strong response
The Chinese foreign ministry protested on Friday, saying such rhetoric violated international laws and undermined regional peace, stability and the fundamental interests of the people.
The Taiwan issue was an internal affair and “no external interference is tolerated”, the ministry said.
Beijing views Taiwan as part of China to be reunified by force if necessary. Most countries, including the Philippines and the US, do not recognise the island as independent. However, Washington opposes any unilateral change to the status quo and is committed to supplying arms to Taipei.
“The Philippines is reneging on its promises, disregarding the consequences, persistently engaging in erroneous and provocative words and actions, continuously undermining and hollowing out the one-China principle, and damaging China-Philippines relations,” the foreign ministry said.