9-2-2024 (BEIJING) China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines, cautioning against “playing with fire” amidst reports suggesting Manila’s intentions to strengthen its military presence on strategically significant islands it controls near Taiwan.
In a statement on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that Taiwan remains “at the centre of China’s core interests” and constitutes an “insurmountable red line and bottom line.”
The remarks from Beijing follow indications that Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro has instructed an augmentation of troops and infrastructure development on Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province, located less than 200km (124 miles) from Taiwan.
Wang stressed the need for the Philippines to exercise caution and refrain from provocative actions concerning Taiwan. He urged Manila to grasp the sensitivity of the situation to avoid external exploitation and potential consequences detrimental to its own interests.
Emphasising the longstanding friendship between China and the Philippines, Wang underscored the importance of mutual respect in addressing issues related to national sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging both parties to abstain from interference in each other’s internal affairs.
China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has asserted its willingness to reunify the island by force if necessary, a stance vehemently opposed by most nations, including the Philippines and the United States, which do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state.
Despite not formally recognising Taiwan, the US remains steadfastly opposed to any coercive measures aimed at the island and is committed to providing it with military support. Washington’s ties with Taiwan have deepened in recent years, with increased military cooperation amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
As a treaty ally of the US, the Philippines has engaged in disputes with Beijing over conflicting claims in the South China Sea, a region where tensions have been running high.
Last year, amid rising tensions, Manila expanded the access of US forces to its military bases, including three facing Taiwan, highlighting its strategic alliance with Washington.
Teodoro’s announcement of plans to bolster the Philippines’ military presence on the Batanes islands coincided with his visit to the province to assess naval facilities. Situated at a vital maritime chokepoint linking the western Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, Batanes holds strategic significance in the Philippines’ defence posture.
Describing Batanes as the “spearhead” of the Philippines’ northern border, Teodoro’s visit signals the nation’s commitment to territorial defence and national security, as stated by the Philippine navy.
The Bashi Channel, traversed frequently by the Chinese navy during patrols around Taiwan, underscores the maritime importance of the region.
Reports also suggest ongoing discussions between the US military and the Philippines regarding the development of a civilian port on the Batanes islands, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics in the area.
Last November, during their largest-ever joint naval exercise, the Philippines and the US utilised Batanes as a training ground and launching point for sea patrols, underscoring the strategic value of the region in regional security affairs.
