While officially adhering to the “One-China” policy, the Philippines has been quietly expanding unofficial defense and security engagements with Taiwan, a senior government official in Manila has said, in revelations likely to anger China.
The moves come as Manila settles into a view that alliances, geography and economic interests would inevitably pull the Philippines into any potential U.S. conflict with China over the self-ruled island. Beijing claims Taiwan as a renegade province that must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
“The Philippines is slowly and unofficially drawing Taiwan into the defense architecture of the country and of the region,” the senior Philippine government source told The Japan Times on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive issues.
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