China: China on Friday warned Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against "playing with fire" over his recent remarks about Taiwan. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the Philippines to earnestly adhere to the one-China principle and the spirit of the China-Philippines Communiqu© on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. The ministry advised Manila to refrain from "playing with fire" on issues concerning China's core interests.

The warning from China followed comments made by the Philippines' president, who stated that Manila could not remain indifferent if a conflict arose between China and the US over Taiwan. He highlighted the Philippines' geographical proximity to Taiwan and the presence of Filipino citizens on the island as factors that would compel the country to get involved.

During interviews on his trip to India, Marcos remarked that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would quickly become a humanitarian issue, necessitating the mobilization of all resources to evacuate Filipino nationals. In response, the Chinese ministry reiterated that the Taiwan issue is an internal affair of China and is not open to external interference.

The ministry also accused Philippine leaders of reneging on their previously stated commitment to the one-China policy, accusing them of "disregarding the consequences and continuing to engage in erroneous and provocative words and deeds." In light of the situation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have lodged formal representations on the issue.