Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called out China after its foreign affairs spokesperson insulted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over the latter's congratulatory remarks to Taiwan's new President.
Teodoro found it "unfortunate" that People's Republic of China (PRC) Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning "stooped to such low and gutter level talk" to insult Marcos after the latter congratulated Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching Te, a move considered by Beijing as a " grave violation" of the One China Policy.
"It is unfortunate that the PRC 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 said in a statement.
"But then 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," he added.
The defense chief said that while it is unfortunate that the Chinese official resorted to insulting the Philippines' highest official, he was no longer surprised by this act.
"The Spokesperson's statements were 'on brand.' We, and the world, should not expect more," Teodoro added.
On Monday night, Marcos congratulated Lai on his election as Taiwan's next President.
As a result, China summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz and tagged Marcos' actions as a "a grave violation of the One-China principle and the communiqué on the establishment of China-Philippine diplomatic relations."
China claims the self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory under the One-China Policy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that Marcos only expressed gratitude to Taiwan for hosting thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there, and the Philippines still adheres to the Chinese principle.
Teodoro has been a fierce critic of China for its sweeping claims in the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).