China Summons Philippine Ambassador For Tweet Marcos Jr Ucakpan Congratulations To Taiwanese Election Winner

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning when delivering a statement to the media in Beijing, China on Tuesday (16/1/2023). (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - China summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China to submit a post-statement protest after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his X account which congratulated William Lai Ching-te in the Taiwan election.

"This morning, Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong summoned Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz to file an official protest and urge the Philippines to provide accountable responses to China," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning when delivering a statement reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 16.

On Monday (15/1), the account @bongbongmarcos, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wrote "On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate the elected President Lai Ching-te for being elected President of Taiwan next. We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening common interests, fostering peace and ensuring prosperity for the people in the years to come."

"The statement of the President of the Philippines violates the principles of 'One China' and communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. The statement is very contrary to the Philippine's political commitment to China and openly interferes in China's internal affairs," said Mao Ning.

China, said Mao Ning, deeply regrets and firmly opposes the statement and immediately file a firm objection to the Philippines.

"We would like to emphasize to the Philippines that they must refrain from playing games with Taiwan's issues, seriously adhering to the principles of 'One China' and joint communique to establish diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, immediately stopping false statements," added Mao Ning.

Mao Ning also reminded the Philippines to stop sending the wrong signal to the separatist group "Taiwan independence".

"We advise President Marcos to read more to get a better understanding of the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue so that it gets the right conclusion," said Mao Ning.

Taiwan's Pascapemilu on Saturday (13/1) won by William Lai Ching-te from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Chinese Government continues to repeat the principle of "One China" as a guideline for China and Taiwan's relations.

William Lai himself is described as a defender of Taiwan's democracy, but Beijing calls him "dangerous" and is one of the " separatist groups" so that it can trigger cross-south conflicts.

William Lai Ching-te received more than 5.58 million votes from about 14 million ballots, Hou Yu-ih, bagging 4.66 million votes and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwanese People's Party (TPP) received 3.68 million votes.

Currently Lai is still the deputy leader of Tsai Ing-wen and this will be the third DPP term in a row.

Under the leadership of Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) since 2016, Taiwan has taken a strong stance against Beijing and the principle of "One China" which says that Taiwan is territory under Beijing's rule.