MANILA – The Philippine government has put in place measures to assure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan amid controversial remarks made by China’s top diplomat in Manila.
In a statement on Monday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured the public that “contingency plans are in place in all places where there are high numbers of OFWs.”
The agency’s assurance came following the remarks made by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, who said that the Philippines must oppose Taiwan’s claim of independence from China and not stoke the fire on the issue if it really cares for the 150,000 OFWs in the self-ruled island.
“The DFA is committed to the promotion of the welfare and security of all overseas Filipinos, including migrant workers,” it said.
With regards to its diplomatic relations, DFA said, the Philippines’ “dealings with all countries have always been on the basis of mutual respect and adherence to the general principles of international law.”
This includes the principle of the non-use of force as an instrument of national policy, it added.
The Philippines has supported the One-China Policy, that there is only one sovereign state and government under the name China.
But the Philippines’ support of such policy was recently put in question by Huang after the Philippines agreed to provide expanded access of troops of the United States, an ally of Taiwan, to Philippine military bases. Huang alleged that these were positioned in response to deteriorating Taiwan-China relations.
“We offer our friendship to all,” DFA asserted.
bossa nova piano