China has issued a strong warning to the Philippines following President Ferdinand Marcos' congratulatory message to Taiwan's newly elected president, Lai Ching-te. Beijing summoned the Philippine ambassador to officially protest Marcos' remarks, which they described as a serious violation of the "One China" principle and a gross interference in China's internal affairs.

After Marcos congratulated Lai on his election victory and expressed his desire for close collaboration, China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, expressed strong dissatisfaction and urged Manila to give a responsible explanation for the president's statements. Mao Ning warned the Philippines not to "play with fire" on the Taiwan issue and to cease sending "wrong signals" to independence and separatist forces on the island.

She emphasized the need for Marcos to further educate himself on the issue and come to "the right conclusions." The undiplomatic nature of China's response is likely to deepen tensions between the two countries, which have been embroiled in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The statement from Beijing suggests that the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty and independence remains a highly sensitive and contentious issue in the region.