MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, recently visited the Philippines as the leader of a high-level delegation of investors, which has raised tensions between China and the Philippines. Two senior officials from the Philippine government confirmed this visit, despite the government's public silence on the matter. The delegation included notable Taiwanese investors and business executives, focusing mainly on the semiconductor industry. The timing of this visit is particularly sensitive, coinciding with escalating confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces in the South China Sea over territorial disputes.
This visit, taking place during a two to three-day trip, did not involve any official political or security engagements. According to the Philippine officials who spoke anonymously, Lin's trip was conducted in a private capacity, suggesting a business-centric agenda rather than a diplomatic one. Taiwan’s political status is sensitive, as the Philippines adheres to a “One China” policy, which does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, promising to reunify the island with the mainland, even by force if necessary.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated the country’s commitment to upholding the “One China” policy while simultaneously maintaining economic ties with Taiwan. This includes trade, investment, and tourism, all positioned within the framework of the policy. The department made it clear that no official recognition was given to any member of Lin’s business delegation, further emphasizing the private nature of the visit.
Beijing responded with a strong condemnation of Lin's visit. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the visit a violation of the Philippines’ commitments regarding Taiwan issues. They accused the Philippines of providing a platform for pro-independence activists in Taiwan to conduct anti-China activities and urged Manila to refrain from exacerbating the situation. The ministry warned the Philippines against "playing with fire" concerning China's core interests, highlighting the potential consequences of going against China's political red lines.
In its statement, the Chinese foreign ministry articulated that actions perceived as infringing on China's sovereignty would lead to repercussions that Manila would have to face. The warning served as a stark reminder of the rising tensions in the region and emphasized China's uncompromising stance regarding Taiwan and its territorial claims. This incident has underscored the fragile balance the Philippines must navigate in its foreign relations amidst increasing tensions in the South China Sea and the broader geopolitical landscape in East Asia.
