Manila, March 27 -- The Philippines is an independent country and does not act as a "chess piece" to any global power, Malacanang said Thursday as it took a swipe at China's remarks about the country's defense cooperation with other nations.

China's foreign ministry earlier suggested that those who "willingly serve as chess pieces" for other nations would ultimately be abandoned.

The statement further called on some individuals in the Philippines to stop serving as "other countries' mouthpiece" for personal political agendas.

The remarks came ahead of the scheduled visit of United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the country on March 28.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro turned the tables on China, s...