“The Philippine side should have a clear understanding of it, act prudently and refrain from playing with fire on the issue of Taiwan, so as to avoid being exploited by others and leading to their own detriment,” Wang said in Beijing.
China and the Philippines shared a long history of friendship, he said, adding that good neighbours should treat each other with mutual respect on issues like national sovereignty and territorial integrity and not interfere in each other’s internal affairs.
However, the US is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
Washington keeps close ties with and provides arms to the self-ruled island for its defence and has increased its support in recent years as friction has mounted across the Taiwan Strait.
China promises ‘heavy price’ for blocking reunification as US, Japan hold drills
China promises ‘heavy price’ for blocking reunification as US, Japan hold drills
Teodoro’s remarks on boosting the Philippines’ military presence on the Batanes islands coincided with his visit to the remote province to inspect naval facilities there. The islands are strategically located at a waterway choke point connecting the western Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea.
Batanes is the “spearhead of the Philippines as far as the northern baseline is concerned”, said Teodoro.
Filipino bishops urge Manila to ‘defend what is ours’ in South China Sea
Filipino bishops urge Manila to ‘defend what is ours’ in South China Sea
And his visit “signifies a pivotal moment in our nation’s commitment to territorial defence and national security”, according to a Philippine navy statement.
The Chinese navy regularly transits the Bashi Channel in sailing to and from the western Pacific, especially during its frequent patrol missions around Taiwan.
The US military was also reportedly in discussions with the Philippines to develop a civilian port on the Batanes islands.