'Don't play with fire': China warns Philippines after president Ferdinand Marcos congratulates Taiwan's new president

China warns Philippines not to play with fire after Manila congratulates Taiwan's president-elect. Beijing's undiplomatic comments deepen tension over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Philippines defends remarks as recognizing mutual interests, but China demands a responsible explanation. In a social media post on Monday, Marcos told Lai, a staunch opponent of China and its claims to Taiwan, that he looks forward to cooperating.