MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has reiterated the Philippines’ longstanding position on the importance of peace and stability in Taiwan and the peaceful settlement of differences.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited an interview in New Delhi with Indian media outfit Firstpost on Aug. 6 where the President stressed the Philippines’ abiding concern for the safety and welfare of over 100,000 Filipinos living and working in Taiwan.
“Citing geographic proximity, the President stressed that any conflict in Taiwan could have an impact on the Philippines,” the DFA said.
As part of its commitment under the 1975 Philippines-China Joint Communique, the DFA said the Philippines upholds its one-China policy and adopts a policy of non-interference in China’s internal affairs.
“At the same time, in various forums and occasions, the Philippines has consistently advocated for dialogue, regional stability, and the peaceful settlement of differences,” it added.
China warned countries against using Taiwan to strengthen military deployment in the region.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Taiwan question is “purely China’s internal affair” and is at the core of China’s core interest.
Beijing firmly opposes any country using the Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen military deployment in the region, heighten tensions and confrontation, and disturb regional peace and stability.
The ministry urged relevant sides not to make provocation on the Taiwan question, saying “those who play with fire will perish by it.”
Taiwan vowed it would not yield nor provoke despite the severe security challenges it faces from its “biggest” neighbor.
United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia John Noh, who testified on April 9 at a US House armed services committee hearing, said China is undertaking an unprecedented military buildup, developing a large and advanced arsenal of nuclear, conventional, cyber and space capabilities.
He said that China aims to dominate the Indo-Pacific region and displace the US as the world’s most powerful nation, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the People’s Liberation Army to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
“Stronger allies lead to stronger alliances, and stronger alliances… deter aggression and create dilemmas for our adversaries,” Noh said.
