Palace: Philippines not a chess piece, respects sovereignty

Malacañang asserted that the Philippines is not a "chess piece" and an independent country, responding to China's recent remarks implying the Philippines acts as a mouthpiece for other nations.

Presidential Press Officer and Communications Secretary Claire Castro stated that no country should interfere with the Philippines' decisions regarding its military capabilities.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged Manila to cease its actions for personal political agendas, warning that defense cooperation should not target third parties or harm their interests.

Malacañang countered that if China is concerned about regional peace and stability, it must respect the sovereignty of each country.

These exchanges occurred just before the scheduled visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Philippines, a visit expected to boost Manila's defense modernization.