China Warns Philippines Against Supporting Taiwan Independence Efforts

China on Wednesday called on the Philippines to halt actions it says send “wrong signals” to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, urging strict adherence to the one-China principle.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the statement at a press conference in Beijing while responding to a Philippine media report that Manila had eased restrictions on engagement with Taiwanese officials and permitted official visits to the island.

“We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China and Taiwan,” Zhu said.

She warned the Philippines to stop “playing with fire” on the Taiwan issue and to avoid encouraging separatist movements.

“Manila should uphold the one-China principle and cease all actions that could embolden Taiwan independence forces,” Zhu added.