China has called on the Philippines to adhere to the one-China principle and avoid sending mixed signals regarding Taiwan.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded to reports that the Philippine government had eased restrictions on interactions with Taiwan authorities, including allowing Philippine officials to visit the island.
“We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic ties with China and China’s Taiwan region,” Zhu stated. “The Philippines should stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question and avoid sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan secessionists.'”
The comments come after Philippine media reported changes in policy that could affect the dynamics between the Philippines and Taiwan, a region China considers an integral part of its territory.
China has consistently emphasized the importance of the one-China principle, which asserts that there is only one China and that Taiwan is a part of it. The principle is a cornerstone of China’s foreign relations and is recognized by the United Nations.
The situation highlights the delicate balance countries must maintain in their diplomatic relations with China and Taiwan, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
