Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will speak to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to clarify his recent remarks about overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan. Huang had advised the Philippines government to oppose Taiwan independence if it cared about its migrant workers, but Marcos suggested a “difference in language” and said he would seek clarification from the ambassador. Huang later stressed the importance of maintaining Philippine-China friendship.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to speak to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to seek clarification over recent controversial comments about Filipino workers in Taiwan. Huang’s comments, in which he advised the Philippine government to oppose Taiwan independence if it “genuinely cares” about its migrant workers, drew criticism from some lawmakers and netizens. Marcos suggested that there may have been a “difference in language,” and that Huang was trying to warn against provoking or intensifying tensions, which would negatively impact Filipinos. The Chinese Embassy later said some reports may have “misquoted or misinterpreted” Huang’s comments, adding that China-Philippine friendship should be maintained.