CHINA’S Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador today to denounce President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s congratulatory message to Taiwanese presidential election winner Lai Ching-te.

Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters that the remarks by Mr Marcos “seriously violated the political commitments made by the Philippines to China and rudely interfered in China’s internal affairs.”

Because Taiwan is a breakaway province of China, Beijing condemns statements that confer legitimacy on the island’s government.

Ms Mao said: “We would like to sternly tell the Philippines not to play with fire on the Taiwan issue … [and] immediately stop making wrong words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues and stop sending any wrong signals to Taiwan independence and separatist forces.”

Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Nong Rong summoned the Philippine ambassador to China this morning, “made solemn representations and urged the Philippines to give China a responsible explanation,” the spokeswoman added.

On Monday, Mr Marcos said: “On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also congratulated Mr Lai on his victory, leading China’s Foreign Ministry to say that Mr Blinken’s message sent “a gravely wrong signal to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”

The ministry said the congratulations went against a US commitment to maintain purely unofficial ties with Taiwan.