China Urges Philippines to Abide by One-China Principle

China's official news agency, Xinhua, reported that a spokesperson for the Chinese government called on the Philippines to uphold the one-China principle. The statement was made during a routine diplomatic exchange, with no specific context provided. The Philippines has historically maintained a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' regarding Taiwan, which has led to periodic friction with China. The one-China principle is a cornerstone of China's foreign policy, asserting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Philippines, while maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has also engaged in bilateral relations with China. This latest call from Beijing underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for diplomatic pressure. No official response from the Philippines was reported in the available sources. The statement appears to be part of a broader effort by China to reinforce its position on Taiwan and assert its influence in the region.