China issued a serious warning to the Philippines regarding its planned military expansion near Taiwan. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson shared his remarks after the announcement of Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Previously, Teodoro confirmed that they will raise the PH military presence in Batanes; a Philippine province located only 200 kilometers from Taiwan.
He explained that they wanted to mobilize more Filipino soldiers to the remote Batanes islands so Manila's territorial defense capabilities could be fortified.
However, China wasn't having this plan. Here's what the Chinese foreign ministry official said to the Philippines.
China Warns Philippines Over Military Expansion Near Taiwan
During a press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the Philippines should not cross Beijing's core interests.
"I want to stress again that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests and is a red line and bottom line that must not be crossed," he said via Inquirer.Net (translated).
"Relevant parties in the Philippines need to understand it clearly, tread carefully, and don't play with fire on this (Taiwan) question to avoid being manipulated and eventually hurt," added the Chinese official.
Wang Wenbin further stated that since the Philippines and China are close neighbors, their relations should only be "friendly exchanges."
"Neighbors should get along with each other based on the principle of good-neighborliness, friendship, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in each others' internal affairs," added Wenbin.
Why Philippines Want To Expand Military Presence Near Taiwan
According to Time Magazine, there are numerous reasons why the Philippine government is closely watching Taiwan as its conflict with China intensifies.
To be clear, the Philippines has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognizes the "One China" policy of the Chinese government.
However, Philippine President Bongbong Marcos still strengthened its military relations with Taiwan's allies. These include Japan, the U.S., and other nations.
Experts said that this effort of the Philippine government can allow it to help Taiwan's allies in case China launches a surprise full-blown invasion against the self-governed island country.
This just shows that the Philippines is willing to support its allies to prevent a potential Chinese takeover of Taiwan. Aside from this, the Philippine government is also worried about the invasion's negative effects on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
As of writing, over 160,000 Filipinos are working in Taiwan. Bongbong Marcos explained that allowing the United States to have access to Philippine military bases would be critical to rescuing OFWs if China really decides to invade the neighboring island nation.
