Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11) — Amid rising tensions in Taiwan, the Philippines has urged global powers United States and China to “manage their strategic rivalry with dialogue” and “sincere engagement.”
In his speech during the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum held in Washington D.C., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said \”the present and future relationship between the United States and China is a defining feature of this regional ecosystem.”
\”As responsible powers, each with a stake in the region’s long term peace and security, Washington and Beijing need to manage their strategic rivalry with dialogue, transparent and sincere engagement where possible,\” he added.
Beijing launched military drills around Taiwan, a day after its President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a 10-day visit to Central America and the US where she met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
China has repeatedly warned against Tsai’s meeting with McCarthy and has threatened to take \”strong and resolute measures\” if it proceeded.
Beijing described the military drills as \”a serious warning against the Taiwan separatist forces’ collusion with external forces, and a necessary move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.\”
Manalo said any kind of escalating tension or military conflict would have adverse repercussions in the region, especially in the Philippines due to proximity.
Asked if the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines would house equipment that could be used by the US should tensions in Taiwan escalate, Manalo said discussions are still underway.
China has warned that an expanded military cooperation will only endanger regional peace and stability, “drag the Philippines into the abyss of geopolitical strife and damage its economic development.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meanwhile said the EDCA sites will not be a staging ground for offensive operations.
