Dateline PhiliPPines PH not meddling in Taiwan affairs

by Franco Jose c. Baroña, Bernadette e tamayo and Kristina maralit ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of National Defense (DND) has denied that the Philippine government is meddling in China’s dispute with Taiwan.

“We reiterate that our primordial concern in Taiwan is the safety and well-being of the Filipinos living and working on the island,” DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Andolong was reacting to the statement of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian that the safety and welfare of the thousands of Filipinos working in Taiwan could be jeopardized if Manila continues to recognize the independence of the island nation.

Beijing has long claimed that Taiwan is a province of China.

Andolong also disagreed with Huang that the situation in Taiwan is similar to Manila’s security concerns in Mindanao.

“We wish to emphasize that the issues are different from each other. The whole context and rich experience of our peace process in Mindanao, which allowed the participation of the international community, is aligned with the Philippines’ position of resolving disputes peacefully,” he said.

Andolong stressed that the DND “deems it prudent to prepare for any contingencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos overseas, especially those based in Taiwan.”

He said that considering the complex regional security landscape, the DND seeks to improve the Philippines’ defense capabilities “through all the means available to us.”

Andolong made it clear the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States “is not directed against any country and is in line with our efforts to modernize our alliance and enable collective defense and peace, promote our national interest, protect our national sovereignty, ensure the livelihood and welfare of our fisherfolk and communities, and enhance our capability to respond to emergencies and disasters, as well as provide humanitarian assistance.”

He renewed the appeal to all concerned parties and states “to adhere to the rule of law and diplomacy in managing differences.”

Speaking at a forum on Friday, April 14, Huang advised the Philippines to