00:00 So, what else is new?
00:01 The most concise summation of Defense Secretary Gilberto Todoro's feedback on the China's
00:06 Foreign Ministry knee-jerk reaction by spewing yet again half-truths and misinformation over
00:13 the President's congratulatory message to Taiwan's President-elect in the self-ruled
00:18 island's latest democratic exercise.
00:21 In fact, the President's message was prefaced a day before the DFA's statement of acknowledgement
00:26 of the country's "One China" policy to dispel all doubts of the government's position on
00:32 the issue.
00:33 Our Bea Bernardo has more.
00:38 Defense Secretary Gilberto Todoro Jr.'s slammed China's statement regarding President Ferdinand
00:42 R. Marcos Jr.'s congratulatory message to Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te.
00:48 The Secretary stressed the statement of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that insults
00:53 the President and the Filipino people is unfortunate.
00:56 But he said China's action does not come as a surprise given its record as a nation that
01:01 spread state-sanctioned propaganda and false information.
01:05 Todoro also called China's statement on brand, and the world should not be surprised nor
01:10 expect anything from them.
01:12 China said the President's message on the recent elections in Taiwan was a violation
01:16 of the "One China" policy and advised the Philippine government to read the entire "One
01:21 China" policy text.
01:22 The Chinese Foreign Ministry even summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime Flores
01:26 Cruz to explain.
01:28 The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier explained that the intention of the message
01:31 of the President is to thank the Taiwanese government for taking care of the welfare
01:35 of the "Oif the Willius" there.
01:38 They also said the Philippines continues to recognize and adhere to "One China" policy.
01:43 For some legislators, there is nothing wrong with the President's congratulations.
01:48 According to House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzalez Jr., as the leader of the Philippines,
01:53 the President's mandate includes delivering a message to any global leader and building
01:58 a good relationship.
02:00 Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Wang Shilian said China's internal affairs is a
02:04 highly sensitive issue to their government.
02:07 Despite this, he insisted it is important for the Philippines and China to talk, especially
02:11 on rising tensions between them in the West Philippine Sea.
02:15 "We hope that the Philippines will meet China halfway, manage maritime differences properly
02:22 through dialogue and consultation, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South
02:28 China Sea."
02:29 The aid bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between the Philippines
02:33 and China was convened in Shanghai yesterday.
02:36 According to the DFA, officials of the two countries had a frank and productive discussions.
02:41 The Philippines and China also agreed to improve maritime communication mechanism in the South
02:46 China Sea, including communications with the foreign ministries and coast guards of both
02:51 countries.
02:52 Possible academic exchanges and maritime scientific research between Chinese and Filipino scientists
02:57 were also discussed.
02:59 Bea Bernardo for The Nation.
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