China has advised the Philippines to oppose Taiwan's independence and avoid stoking the fire by offering the United States access to military bases near the Taiwan Strait.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian stated that in case the Philippines had a concern about the 150,000 Filipino workers who are employed overseas in Taiwan.
"The Philippines is advised to unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire by offering the US access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs [overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan]," the Chinese Ambassador said in a forum on Friday.
This comes amidst tensions between China and Taiwan, with China launching military drills after the latter's president met with a top US official.
The envoy accused the US of using the military bases to interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Strait to serve its interests and advance its anti-China agenda, which could undermine peace and development in the Philippines and the region.
The US embassy denied these claims, stating that the bases are for enhancing the US-Philippine alliance and not for any other third country.
Meanwhile, the Chinese envoy emphasized that China wishes to avoid conflict, but reserves the option of taking necessary measures to guard against external interference and separatist activities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has earlier clarified that the bases will not be used for offensive operations.
