Rappler
Philippines won’t use EDCA to meddle in China-Taiwan tension – DND
The Department of National Defense (DND) takes exception to claims by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian that the Philippines is meddling in China's internal affairs concerning Taiwan.
Huang had claimed that the Philippines was "stoking the fire" by offering military bases near Taiwan Strait that can be accessed by the United States under the EDCA, and warned that Beijing reserves the right to take necessary measures concerning Taiwan.
National Security Council spokesperson Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya clarified that the Philippines has no intention of interfering in the Taiwan issue and will not allow itself to be used by other countries to interfere in the said issue.
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong reiterated that the Philippines observes the One China Policy and the ASEAN principle of non-interference, and stated that the EDCA will not be used to meddle in China's affairs regarding Taiwan.
Andolong emphasized that the Philippines' primordial concern in Taiwan is the safety and well-being of Filipinos living and working on the island.
Amid tensions, the DND deems it prudent to prepare for any contingencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos overseas, especially those based in Taiwan.
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The Philippines has no intention of interfering in the Taiwan issue and will not allow itself to be used by other countries to do so, according to the National Security Council (NSC).
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China's Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, urged the Philippines to oppose Taiwan's independence and deny US troops access to local military bases, linking this to the safety of 150,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan.
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President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan.
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The Philippines is closely observing the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, recognizing that any conflict could severely impact the region.
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Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian avoided reporters' questions regarding his controversial remarks on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and its potential impact on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan.
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