MANILA – Malacañang has dismissed China’s assertion that the Philippines is being utilized as a chess piece and mouthpiece for other nations.
Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the Philippines is a sovereign nation, highlighting its autonomy in determining its military operations.
“The Philippines is no one’s chess piece, we are an independent country,” Castro said in a media briefing at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday.
“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 also 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,” Castro said.
China earlier warned the Philippines on the upcoming visit of United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing the 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,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
“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 also scheduled to meet with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang today, but Castro did not disclose the possible discussion between the President and the US Defense chief./PN
