China urges Philippines to abide by one-China principle

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday that China will not accept and will firmly hit back any provocation made on the Taiwan question.

“We urge the Philippine side to abide by the spirit of the joint communique of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, adhere to the one-China principle, and stop its wrong words and deeds related to the Taiwan question,” Mao said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

She made the remarks after the Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro accused the Chinese Foreign Ministry of insulting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Earlier this week, the ministry spokeswoman suggested for the Philippine president to read more in order to develop a proper understanding of the ins and outs of the Taiwan question after Marcos referred the newly elected regional leader of Taiwan as “president-elect”.

Noting that the Taiwan question is of core interest to China, Mao said on Thursday that it is fully justified and necessary for the Chinese side to make clear its solemn position to the Philippine side after Mania’s remarks that gravely violated the one-China principle and interrupted China’s domestic affairs.

“The one-China principle is the red line and the bottom line as well,” she said.