PH defense chief slams Chinese official for ‘gutter level talk’ directed at Marcos

From CNN Philippines (Jan 17, 2024): PH defense chief slams Chinese official for ‘gutter level talk’ directed at Marcos (By Kristel Limpot)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — The country’s defense secretary hit back at the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson for supposedly insulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and resorting to “gutter level talk” when she expressed Beijing’s disapproval of a message issued by the Philippine leader.

“It is unfortunate that the PRC (People's Republic of China) Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter level talk – resorting to insulting our President and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the Ministry, and Party she represents in the process,” Teodoro wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

He was referring to foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who warned Marcos not to “play with fire” after he sent his congratulations to Taiwan's president-elect and pro-sovereignty leader Lai Ching-te.

During a press conference, the Chinese official also suggested that Marcos “read more to develop a proper understanding” of the dispute on the political status of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

The president has yet to react to China’s rebuke.

But while Mao’s remarks are “unfortunate,” Teodoro said they are not surprising.

“[T]hen 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,” the defense chief said.

“The Spokesperson's statements were ‘on brand,’” he added. “We, and the world, should not expect more.”

Meanwhile, in an event in Manila, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian called on the Philippines to handle Taiwan-related issues "prudently” to maintain stable relations with China.

“China urges the Philippines to stay committed to the one-China policy pursued by successive Philippine administrations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines,” read Huang's virtual presentation.

On Tuesday, China summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz to demand an explanation on the president’s message.

A day before Marcos’ remarks, the Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated Manila’s commitment to the one-China policy, which recognizes that Taiwan is a part of China and that the PRC is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2024/1/17/gilbert-teodoro-chinese-foreign-ministry-mao-ning-gutter-level-talk-with-marcos.html