Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te of Democratic Progressive Party鈥檚 (DPP) gestures as he attends a rally following the victory in the presidential elections, in Taipei, Taiwan January 13, 2024. (REUTERS)
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MANILA, Philippines 鈥� President Ferdinand 鈥淏ongbong鈥� R. Marcos Jr. on Monday looked forward to close collaboration with Taiwan after President-elect Lai Ching-te鈥檚 victory.听
听Lai won in the presidential elections last Saturday.听
听鈥淲e look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead,鈥� Marcos said in an X post.听
Marcos鈥� statement comes in the midst of tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea.听
Manila鈥檚 relations with Beijing tensed in 2023 after China鈥檚 continuous encroachment in Philippine waters.听
鈥淥n behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan鈥檚 next President,鈥� said Marcos.听