Philippines raises concerns over Taiwan in talks with China

The Philippines’ top diplomat has expressed his concern to China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang over escalating tensions in waters around Taiwan, Manila said on April 22.

The Philippines' top diplomat has expressed his concern to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang over escalating tensions in waters around Taiwan, Manila said on April 22.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo met Mr. Qin as the two countries seek to deepen economic ties while also managing their dispute in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement after the talks.

"Secretary Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines' adherence to the One China Policy, while at the same time expressing concern over the escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait," the DFA said.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control one day, by force if necessary.

Mr. Qin described China and the Philippines as "close neighbours across the sea".

"Amid the fluid and turbulent regional situation, a healthy and stable China-Philippines relationship is not only meeting the aspirations of our two peoples, but also in line with the common aspirations of regional countries," Mr. Qin said during the talks.

He told a forum in Shanghai on April 21 that recent rhetoric accusing China of disrupting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait could have dangerous consequences.