Teodoro: ‘Gutter-level talk’ from China’s foreign ministry

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr yesterday said it was “unfortunate” that the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry resorted to “gutter-level talk” in criticizing President Marcos Jr for congratulating Taiwanese president-elect Lai Ching-te for winning the election last Saturday.

Teodoro said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning further devalued herself and the party she represents for making such comments.

“It is unfortunate that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) 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,” he 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.

Teodoro nevertheless said he was not surprised over Mao’s statements.

“It is unfortunate, but I am, myself, unsurprised. The spokesperson’s statements were `on brand.’ We, and the world, should not expect more,” he said.

On Monday, Marcos congratulated Lai for his victory, adding the Philippine government was looking forward to “close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.”

The following day, Mao said China was “strongly dissatisfied” with Marcos’ remarks. She even warned the Philippine government “not to play with fire” on the Taiwan issue.

Mao also said Marcos’ remarks “constitute a serious violation of the `One China’ principle and … a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs.”

Mao even suggested that Marcos “read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions.”

Aside from Mao’s statements, China also said it summoned Philippine