Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, reiterated Beijing’s stance on February 8, saying Taiwan is “at the center of China’s core interests and represents an insurmountable red line and bottom line.”
The development came when tensions between China and the Philippines rose amid frequent clashes in the South China Sea.
Wenbin further stated that cordial discussions have characterized China-Philippines relations historically and that both nations should maintain respect for one another’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in addition to refraining from meddling in one another’s domestic affairs, Chinese CGTN reported.
The spokesperson referred to a recent announcement by Filipino Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. Teodoro had ordered the military to increase the number of soldiers stationed at the isolated Batanes Island’s northernmost island to fortify the nation’s territorial defense. He also advocated for expanding the island’s infrastructure during his visit to the naval installations on the island.
Although the two countries remain marred in territorial disputes that have blown into frequent confrontations recently, China’s latest warning to Manila has Taiwan at its heart. The self-governing island state of Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province and has pledged to annex, is only 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the Batanes Islands.
“The Philippine side should have a clear understanding of it, act prudently, and refrain from playing with fire on the issue of Taiwan to avoid being exploited by others and leading to their detriment,” Wang said in Beijing.
