The Philippines' president has joined other countries in congratulating Taiwan's Lai Ching-te on his victory in the presidential election. The move has sparked strong opposition by China.

The message by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was posted on social media on Monday. It came two days after Lai declared victory on Saturday night.

In the post, Marcos said that on behalf of the Filipino people, he congratulated President-elect Lai. He said he looks forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity.

Since last August, tensions between Manila and Beijing have been rising over a series of incidents in the South China Sea.
The Philippines' foreign ministry has issued its own statement saying the country reaffirms the one-China policy, apparently trying to avoid further confrontation.

However, Beijing rejected the olive branch. China's foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the Philippine ambassador in Beijing to file a protest.

A spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, said in a press conference that "President Marcos gravely violated the one-China principle, went against political commitments to China, and interfered in China's internal affairs". She added "Beijing is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes the move".