The Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated contingency measures are in place to help abroad Filipino employees (OFWs) in Taiwan in case pressure sparks within the space.
At the identical time, the division mentioned the Philippines might be buddy to all and can take care of overseas nations primarily based on mutual respect.
“The DFA is committed to the promotion of the welfare and security of all overseas Filipinos, including migrant workers,” it mentioned in a press release.
“We assure the public that contingency plans are in place in all places where there are high numbers of OFWs,” it added.
DFA mentioned the Philippines’ dealings with all nations “have always been on the basis of mutual respect and adherence to the general principles of international law, including the non-use of force as an instrument of national policy.”
“We offer our friendship to all,” it mentioned.
The DFA issued the assertion following the current remarks of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on the destiny of over 200,000 OFWs in Taipei amid the strengthening ties between the Philippines and the US.
Portion of the English transcript posted on the embassy web site quoting Huang had mentioned: “Some tried to find excuse for the new EDCA sites by citing the safety of the 150,000 OFWs in Taiwan, while China is the last country that wishes to see conflict over the Strait because people on both sides are Chinese. But we will not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures. This is to guard against external interference and all separatist activities. The Philippines is advised to unequivocally oppose Taiwan independence rather than stoking the fire by offering the US access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs.”
On Sunday, China’s embassy within the Philippines mentioned Huang’s remarks about OFWs in Taiwan have been misquoted, misunderstood or taken out of context.”
“It is appreciated that there was intensive protection on Ambassador Huang Xilian’s speech on the eighth Manila Forum. Unfortunately some misquoted or misinterpreted Ambassador Huang’s remarks or just took a part of the Ambassador’s phrases out of context,” it mentioned in a press release on its Facebook web page.—Michaela Del Callar/LDF, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
