The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to address remarks he made concerning the Philippines’ security relationship with the United States and the status of Filipino workers in Taiwan. The meeting was confirmed in a statement released by the DFA.
The summons was issued after Ambassador Huang spoke at a forum in Manila where he addressed the Philippines’ decision to grant the United States access to an expanded number of military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
According to transcripts of his speech and media reports from the event, Ambassador Huang advised the Philippines to “unequivocally oppose ’Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire by offering the U.S. access to military bases near the Taiwan Strait.” He added that some have suggested the Philippines is doing this to defend its sovereignty in the South China Sea.
The ambassador also commented on the welfare of the 150,000 Filipino workers residing in Taiwan. Reports from the event quoted him suggesting that the Philippines should consider its stance on Taiwan if it “genuinely cares” about its citizens in the region.
In its official response, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated that Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro met with Ambassador Huang. During the meeting, Undersecretary Lazaro conveyed that the Philippines was “seriously concerned” by the ambassador’s comments.
The DFA’s statement noted that Lazaro informed the ambassador that the Philippines has a “right to pursue its own independent foreign policy” and that its engagement with security partners is intended to support its own defense capabilities and regional peace. The department also stated that the ambassador’s remarks about overseas Filipino workers were noted.
Following the meeting, the Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a statement providing its account of the discussion. The embassy’s statement said Ambassador Huang reiterated China’s position on the Taiwan question and clarified that his remarks were “misquoted or misinterpreted.” The embassy said the ambassador’s intention was to express hope that the Philippines would recognize the importance of the issue for China and its relationship with the Philippines.
The diplomatic exchange occurred amid ongoing developments in the region. The Philippines and the United States recently expanded the EDCA, which allows U.S. forces to access and preposition defense assets at designated Philippine military bases. The agreement is part of a long-standing security alliance between the two countries.
China maintains its One-China principle, which asserts that Taiwan is a part of China. The Philippines adheres to a One-China policy, formally recognizing the People’s Republic of China. Both the Philippine and Chinese governments have released their official statements regarding the meeting.
