No one dictates to us, Palace tells Beijing
Malacañang yesterday rejected Beijing’s claim that the Philippines is being used as a proxy to fight another country’s disputes, saying it is China that should reexamine its role in the community of nations.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines is free to decide on what military operations it undertakes and with which countries it forges defense ties.
Her remark came after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun challenged the Philippine government to “stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece” and to avoid being used as “chess pieces” in regional power plays.
The Chinese government’s scathing words came mere days before US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Manila, in which he is expected to discuss the future of Philippines-US military collaboration.
“The Philippines is no one’s chess piece; we are an independent country,” Castro said.
“Whatever we do, whatever projects we undertake regarding our military operations, that is up to us. No one can interfere with that,” she added.
Castro further challenged China to abide by international laws and respect each country’s sovereignty to secure peace and stability in the maritime region.
“If China believes and is concerned about peace and stability in the region they should abide by international law. They should also respect the sovereignty of each country,” she said.
Earlier this week, China warned the Philippines that Hegseth’s visit would escalate the tension in the region.
“Facts have repeatedly proven that nothing good could come out of opening the door to a predator. Those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end,” Guo said.
“Our message to some in the Philippines: stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece and no more stunt for personal political agenda,” he added.
Hegseth is scheduled to engage in crucial talks with Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City today. He is also scheduled to meet with Mr. Marcos in Malacañang.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Palace rebukes China: ‘The Philippines is no one’s chess piece’”