The Department of National Defense (DND) said they take exception to the statement of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian that the Philippines is interfering with China’s internal affairs concerning Taiwan.

On Friday, Huang stated that the United States (US) intends to take advantage of new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to meddle with the Taiwan situation.

Huang also said that Beijing ‘reserves the option of taking necessary measures over the Taiwan Strait and advised the Philippines to oppose the ‘Taiwan Independence’ if they care about the 150,000 Filipinos OFW working in Taiwan.

The Chinese Ambassador added that the Taiwan situation is likened to Mindanao.

“We wish to emphasize that the issues are different from each other. The whole context and rich experience of our peace process in Mindanao, which allowed the participation of other countries (Malaysia, European Union, Turkey, Japan, Brunei, Australia, Sweden, Norway, UK, Germany, United Nations organizations, Japan International Cooperation Agency and other international organizations), is aligned with the Philippines' position of resolving disputes peacefully,” said Arsenio Andolong, DND spokesperson.

Andalong also added that the Philippines observes the One China Policy and maintains the principle of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of non-interference in regional issues.

“We reiterate that our primordial concern in Taiwan is the safety and well-being of the Filipinos overseas, especially those based in Taiwan.” Andalong added.

Amid the complex situation, Andalong emphasized that the DND is preparing to improve the country’s defense capabilities and that the implementation of EDCA is not directed to any country.

"It is aligned with the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to modernize alliance and enable collective defense, and peace, promote national interest, protect the country’s national sovereignty, ensure the livelihood and welfare of fisherfolk and communities and enhance the capability to respond to emergencies and disasters, as well as provide humanitarian assistance," Andalong added.

"We reiterate and call on all concerned parties and states to follow the rule of law and diplomacy in managing differences and that the Philippines will carry on with advocating peace, and mutual respect as well as protect and uphold the country’ national and global interest," Andalong said.