Philippines president says does not endorse Taiwan independence amid China’s outrage

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he does not endorse Taiwan independence and reiterated his country was committed to its One-China policy, a response to China’s outrage over recent remarks in congratulating Taiwan’s election winner.

Marcos said in an interview with GMA News TV aired on Tuesday that his congratulatory comment to Lai Ching-te earlier this month, where he referred to him as president, was a “common courtesy”.

“The One-China policy remains in place. We have adhered to the One-China policy strictly and conscientiously since we adopted (it),” Marcos said.

“We are not endorsing Taiwanese independence. Taiwan is a province of China.”