Philippines ‘closely monitoring developments’ on Pelosi’s reported Taiwan visit
MANILA, Philippines (Update 2, 8:05 p.m.) — The Philippines said it is “closely monitoring developments” amid US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s reported surprise visit to Taiwan during her first official tour of Asia.
“It is important for the US and China to ensure continuing communication to avoid any miscalculation and further escalation of tensions,” Ambassador Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said in a WhatsApp message to the media on Tuesday.
Pelosi is currently on an official Asia tour, with stops in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan in her itinerary.
Daza clarified that the department “has not received any request” neither from the US government nor the US embassy in Manila to either transit or visit the Philippines during this trip.
There are talks that Pelosi would be landing in the Philippines’ Clark, Pampanga airport before hopping on a flight to Taiwan.
Beijing warned Washington last week that it would “bear the consequences” if Pelosi steps on Taipei. The relationship between the two countries has continued to deteriorate due to issues including Taiwan, human rights, and competition in the technology sector.
Pelosi would be the first US House Speaker to visit Taiwan since 1997, 25 years after former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Taiwan is under the constant threat of being invaded by China and Pelosi previously told reporters that it was important for the US “to show support for Taiwan.”
On Monday, the White House called on China to refrain from turning Pelosi’s Taiwan trip into a “crisis.”
“We trust that China and the United States will be responsible actors in the region,” Daza said.
China 'firmly opposes' possible visit
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian on Tuesday said Beijing "firmly opposes" the possible visit.
In a statement sent to reporters, Huang maintained that "there is only one China in the world."
Like many countries in the world, the Philippines maintains a "One China" policy and officially only has diplomatic relations with China. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office represents Taiwan in the country.
"Should Speaker Pelosi insist on making a visit to Taiwan region in disregard of China’s strong objection, such a visit will seriously violate the One-China principle and the stipulations in the three Sino-US joint communiqués," Huang said.
He added that it would "seriously harm" China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The visit will also “seriously undermine” China-US relations.
Pelosi stepping foot in Taipei will send a wrong signal to separatist forces, on top of affecting stability in the Taiwan strait, he added. — with reports from Agence France-Presse
- Latest
- Trending
