Philippines, China maintain talks amid Taiwan tensions – DFA

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MANILA, Philippines — Open lines of communication between the Philippines and China remain active through diplomatic channels, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday.

The DFA made the remark to emphasize that the Philippines and China continue to exchange frank views over various issues, including Taiwan.

This comes after the Chinese Embassy in Manila warned “relevant officials of the Philippines to refrain from making provocations on the Taiwan question,” adding that “those who play with fire will perish by it.”

READ: Malacañang eases Taiwan visit ban for most government officials

“The Philippines and China maintain open lines of communication through regular diplomatic channels, and our exchanges are sustained and constant,” said the DFA in a statement.

“The two sides regularly exchange frank views over various issues, including on Taiwan, through these channels, and will continue to do so,” it added.

The Chinese embassy earlier noted that the Taiwan question is at the core of China’s interest.

READ: China asks PH to have consistent stand on ‘One China Policy’

“The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and the political bedrock of China-Philippines relations. China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between its Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China,” said the embassy.

“We urge the Philippine side to abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces,” it added.

Despite the Palace’s recent decision to ease travel restrictions for some Philippine officials to Taiwan, the DFA on April 24 affirmed that the country continues to uphold and observe the One-China Policy.