PH to China: We won't interfere in Taiwan issue

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).

NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya denounced remarks by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, who suggested that the US intended to use new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agency (EDCA) sites to interfere in the Taiwan Strait situation.

Huang had advised the Philippine government to "unequivocally oppose 'Taiwan independence' rather than stoking the fire" by giving the United States access to AFP bases near Taiwan, citing concern for the 150,000 OFWs on the island.

Malaya stated that the Philippines subscribes to the ASEAN principle of non-interference and observes the One China Policy, emphasizing that the country's primordial concern is the safety and well-being of Filipinos in Taiwan.

He further added that National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año has emphasized that increased security cooperation with the US is solely for the purpose of strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capabilities to defend its territory.

The choice of EDCA sites was not US-directed but identified by the AFP's Strategic Basing Plan to develop military and base infrastructure, which contributes to regional peace and stability, according to the NSC.