Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning recalled that this issue is the core of China’s fundamental interests and a red line that should not be crossed, as the Chinese government will never accept any provocation on the matter.

“We urge the Philippine side to earnestly abide by the spirit on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, abide by the one-China principle, and stop erroneous words and actions on items related to Taiwan,” the spokeswoman emphasized.

Mao stressed that Manila’s latest actions seriously violate the political commitments made to China and interfere in its internal affairs.

The military tensions between both countries also reached foreign policies when President of the Philippines Marcos Ferdinand congratulated the newly elected “president” of Taiwan and advocated closer relations with it.

China immediately rejected his statements, urged Manila to stop sending wrong signals to separatists in Taiwan, and called on the ruler to read more books to understand the ins and outs of this situation and draw correct conclusions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently assured that relations with the Philippines are going through serious difficulties, because “it has changed its political stance, has failed to fulfill its commitments, has constantly caused incidents at sea and has damaged the legitimate rights” of Beijing. Wang added that the ties are at a crossroads and that Manila must act prudently.

The deterioration of bilateral ties coincides with the Philippines’ moves to strengthen military relations with Japan and the United States, its former colonial power and defense ally for decades.

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