Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has stepped forward on Wednesday, January 17, to denounce a Chinese foreign ministry official for resorting to “low and gutter-level talk” and insulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a news briefing.
Teodoro, in a statement, also criticized the official, Mao Ning, for “spouting state-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation.”
The dispute escalated following Mao’s remarks advising Marcos to “read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue” after congratulating Taiwan’s election winner Lai Ching-te.
Teodoro condemned the Chinese ministry spokesperson’s comments, describing them as an insult to the Filipino nation, GMA News reported.
“But then again, we should not at all be surprised—being a nation and people enjoying the privileges, rights, and freedoms of a democratic society—that an agent of a Party and system of government incompatible with our way of life and who routinely spouts State-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation would go that far and that low,” he said.
In a post on January 16, the Chinese Embassy’s Twitter account quoted Mao Ning, asserting that Marcos’ remarks violated the one-China principle and the communique on diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.
China’s embassy and foreign ministry have not yet responded to Teodoro’s comments, adding to a series of rhetorical conflicts between Beijing and Manila.
The congratulatory remarks by Marcos triggered a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ “One China” policy, emphasizing mutual interests, including the Filipino workers in Taiwan.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela emphasized peaceful dispute resolution, questioning whether specific provisions are still acknowledged by the People’s Republic of China.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, during a year-end party for the media on January 17, urged the Philippine government to handle Taiwan-related issues prudently and respect China’s internal affairs.
Huang emphasized the one-China policy as the political foundation for bilateral relations, calling for a commitment to strengthen ties rather than undermining this foundation, Inquirer reported.
Despite the one-China policy, President Marcos extended greetings to Taiwan’s president-elect, expressing anticipation for collaboration, mutual interests, peace, and prosperity.
The Daily Netizen 