The Philippines has no interest in or intention of interfering in the Taiwan issue, according to a National Security Council (NSC) official.

This clarification was made by NSC assistant director general and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya in response to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian's remarks last Friday, in which he stated that the US intends to use the new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agency (EDCA) to intervene in the Taiwan Strait situation.

In a statement on Saturday night, Malaya said that the NSC wanted to clarify that the Philippines has no interest in interfering in issues with Taiwan and will not allow itself to be taken advantage of by other countries to interfere in the said issue, as claimed by the Chinese Ambassador in the Philippines.

Malaya also stated that National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año has stated the Philippines' position on increased security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States and that this only meant "to develop and strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enable it to protect and defend the territory of the Philippines."
He added that it is not meant to contain or counter any nation in the region or to interfere in the affairs of another nation.

Malaya further stated that the Philippines is primarily concerned with enhancing its defense capability, updating equipment and assets, and expanding infrastructure.

Malaya stated that the Philippines adheres to the One China Policy and the ASEAN concept of non-interference in dealing with regional affairs.

He went on to say that the country's first priority in Taiwan is the safety and well-being of the more than 150,000 Filipinos who live and work on the island.

Malaya further stated that the Philippines takes "grave exception" to "any effort by guests in our country to use this to fear-monger and intimidate us."

Earlier this week, Año personally assured the Chinese ambassador that the additional EDCA sites are not intended for offensive operations against China or interference in the Taiwan issue, but rather to protect the country's territorial integrity.

He assured Huang that the Philippines is committed to a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan problem and the region's continued stability.

During this discussion, Malaya stated that Ao explained that the EDCA sites were chosen in accordance with the AFP's Strategic Basing Plan.

The designated EDCA sites are Philippine bases that the country wishes to expand based on the AFP's strategic basing and development requirements.

Malaya further stated that the choice was not dictated by the US but rather identified by the AFP.