The Chinese Foreign Ministry once more warned Philippine officials for their provocative and “irresponsible remarks” about the China-Taiwan issue, saying that such actions “will only backfire.”

In his regular press conference on Friday, Sept. 5, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the Philippines for its “wrongful and provocative words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues,” saying that the country violated basic norms and international relations in its commitment on the Taiwan issue.

“The Philippines will pay the price and all consequences arising therefrom must be borne by the Philippines,” he said.

“Our message to the Philippines is that for anyone in the Philippines who tries to be a troublemaker on the Taiwan question, interferes in China’s internal affairs, or undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, their action will only backfire. We urge those individuals to quit their theatrics and stop making provocations,” he added.

The official noted how Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. “and other people” made “irresponsible remarks” that deliberately provoke the China-Taiwan issue “on multiple occasions.”

“They blatantly challenged China’s core interest, red line and bottom line. China never tolerates and firmly opposes such moves,” Guo said, alleging that the Philippines kept undermining its relations and “trampling on China’s red line.”

His remarks came after reports that Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung came to the Philippines last month with a business contingent led by the US-Taiwan Business Council.

While Teodoro said he has no knowledge of the visit and that no government official met Lin, he also stressed that China should not impose its red line on the Philippines because it is meant only for Chinese citizens.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) likewise neither confirmed or denied Lin’s reported visit, but said that “no official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation that recently visited the Philippines” and that this is consistent with the One-China Policy.