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Philippines Marcos Jnr does not endorse Taiwan independence, seeks to avoid regional conflict
- Marcos said in a TV interview that his congratulatory comment to Lai Ching-te earlier this month, where he referred to him as president, was a ‘common courtesy’
- The congratulatory message, however, drew a sharp rebuke from China
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said he does not endorse Taiwan independence and reiterated his country was committed to its One-China policy, a response to mainland China’s outrage over recent remarks in congratulating Taiwan’s election winner.
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Marcos said in an interview with GMA News TV aired on Tuesday that his congratulatory comment to Lai Ching-te earlier this month, where he referred to him as president, was a “common courtesy”.
“The One-China policy remains in place. We have adhered to the One-China policy strictly and conscientiously since we adopted [it],” Marcos said.
“We are not endorsing Taiwanese independence. Taiwan is a province of China.”
The congratulatory message, however, drew a sharp rebuke from China, with its foreign ministry spokesperson telling Marcos last week to “read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue”.
That prompted a fierce response from the Philippines defence minister, who criticised the Chinese official for “low and gutter-level talk”.
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Marcos in the interview added he was for peace and “does not want conflict” in the region.
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