BIn an unusual show of public disapproval, Yongjing reminded Singapore of its “one China” stance toward Taiwan after Singapore congratulated Vice President Lai Ching-toku and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party on their election victory.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “China immediately made a solemn march on Singapore.” That is tantamount to a diplomatic rebuke.
“Singapore leaders have repeatedly said that the Taiwan issue is a ‘deep red line’ for China,” Mao said on Monday. “China respects this statement and expects Singapore to strictly adhere to the one-China principle and uphold the overall friendly relations between China and Singapore with concrete actions.”
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Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
The Southeast Asian country, like many of its neighbors, has sought to balance deep ties with China and the United States amid increasing geopolitical competition between the two countries. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also been active in promoting further dialogue in cross-strait relations, even as he downplays the possibility of an imminent conflict over Taiwan.
In comments on Sunday, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to emphasize its “long-standing close friendship with Taiwan and the Taiwanese people” and said it would continue to foster ties based on the “one China” policy. . “Singapore has always supported the peaceful development of cross-strait relations,” he said.
The “one China principle” refers to the policy that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an integral part of it.
The Chinese government has yet to respond to Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s favoritism toward Lai. Taiwan has elected politicians deemed friendly to the United States and labeled by China as “war instigators.”
“We look forward to close cooperation, strengthening mutual benefits, promoting peace and ensuring the prosperity of our people in the years to come,” Marcos said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Teresita Daza later explained that this was Philippine leaders’ way of expressing gratitude to Taiwan for hosting thousands of overseas Filipino workers, known as OFWs. did.
“The Philippines and Taiwan share mutual interests, including the welfare of the approximately 200,000 OFWs in Taiwan,” Daza said.
Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated over the South China Sea, with ships from both countries colliding in the disputed waters. Mr. Marcos also strengthened the Philippines’ long-standing defense alliance with the United States, allowing the U.S. military greater access to Philippine facilities, including near Taiwan.