Spokesperson for China's Foreign Minister Said the Friendship Between His Country and the Philippines was More Beneficial

Illustration of cooperation (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - China says relations between its country and the Philippines are more beneficial if they are mutually friendly.

This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, citing Antara.

"China and the Philippines are neighbors across the sea. Friendship dominates the history of our bilateral relations, close neighbors can be more helpful than distant relatives," said Wang Wenbin.

This was in response to a statement by Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro who said there would be an increase in the number of the country's troops on the northernmost islands near the Philippines, including the Batanes Islands, which are less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan to strengthen Manila's territorial defense capabilities.

"Neighbors must be in harmony with each other based on the principles of good neighborliness, friendship, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and not to interfere in each other's internal affairs," said Wang Wenbin.

He emphasized that Taiwan affairs are the core of China's national interests and are a red line that no one should cross.

"Relevant parties in the Philippines need to understand it clearly, be careful, and not play around with this issue so as not to be toyed with and end up suffering losses," added Wang Wenbin.

As reported by international media, in November 2023, the Philippine and United States militaries carried out joint patrols in the waters of the Philippines' northernmost point.

The Batanes Islands are one of the locations for the joint military training involving more than 17,000 Philippine and US troops.

The Philippines by 2023 will nearly double the number of its military bases accessible to US troops, including three bases facing Taiwan.