Philippine-China spat over Taiwan risks putting ASEAN in crossfire

MANILA /TAICHUNG, Taiwan -- A spat between China and the Philippines over Taiwan's election is fueling fears about Beijing's next move toward the self-ruled island and possible spillovers for Southeast Asian nations caught in the diplomatic crossfire.

Manila-Beijing relations took a dive last week, after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated China skeptic Lai Ching-te on winning Taiwan's presidential election. Marcos' message quickly drew the ire of Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory and derides Lai and his Democratic Progressive party as "separatists."