Malacañang: “We don’t make knee-jerk reactions because they could adversely affect international relations.”
MALACAÑANG — The Palace said that the Philippines was “closely monitoring” China’s actions in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit.
In a press briefing, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that the military and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are “closely monitoring the situation as they would in any other similar circumstance”.
GMA News Online reported that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan on Tuesday, defying threats and warnings from China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.
China said that Pelosi’s Taiwan visit was a “major provocation” as Pelosi is the highest-profile elected United States official to visit the island in 25 years. The Chinese military said that in response to Pelosi’s presence in Taiwan, it was on “high alert” and would launch a series of targeted military actions.
When asked to comment on Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian’s appeal for the Philippines to “strictly abide” by the One-China policy, Cruz-Angeles declined to comment on the matter.
“There is no reaction. Usually, when it’s a matter of international relations, we take time to study the matter and do not react immediately. Loose words might affect relationships and [they’re] very difficult to rebuild,” Cruz-Angeles said. “So we will take our cue from the Department of Foreign Affairs if such a reaction is even warranted.“
Based on the report, the Philippines doesn’t have diplomatic ties with Taiwan in deference to the One-China policy.
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It was on Tuesday when Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian reminded the Philippine government to adhere to the One-China policy.
“It is our hope that the Philippine side will strictly abide by the One-China principle and handle all Taiwan-related issues with prudence to ensure sound and steady development of China-Philippines relations,” said Huang Xilian.
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