NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NSA's Año Meets with Chinese Ambassador
Photo credit: National Security Council of the Philippines
National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año met with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian during a call at the National Security Council on April 12, 2023, where he reassured the Chinese Ambassador that the Philippines has no intention of interfering in the Taiwan issue and will not allow itself to be used by other countries to interfere.
The meeting between Año and Ambassador Xilian was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing their commitment to maintaining peaceful and stable relations between the Philippines and China. Año reiterated that the increase in security cooperation with the United States is solely in pursuit of the national interest of the Philippines, and is aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
In particular, Año emphasized that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines are not meant to contain or counter any nation in the region, but rather are intended to develop the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He clarified that the Philippines has no intention of using these sites to engage in any actions that would threaten the sovereignty or security of China or any other country.
Ambassador Xilian expressed appreciation for Año's reassurances and reiterated China's commitment to maintaining friendly and cooperative relations with the Philippines. He acknowledged the importance of mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and emphasized the need for continued communication and dialogue to address any concerns or issues that may arise in the future.
The meeting between Año and Ambassador Xilian concluded with a mutual understanding of the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. Both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation on matters of mutual interest, while respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and concerns over the Taiwan issue. The Philippines, as a key player in the region, is reaffirming its commitment to pursuing a foreign policy that is guided by the principles of non-interference, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, including China and the United States.
The meeting between Año and Ambassador Xilian was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing their commitment to maintaining peaceful and stable relations between the Philippines and China. Año reiterated that the increase in security cooperation with the United States is solely in pursuit of the national interest of the Philippines, and is aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
In particular, Año emphasized that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines are not meant to contain or counter any nation in the region, but rather are intended to develop the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He clarified that the Philippines has no intention of using these sites to engage in any actions that would threaten the sovereignty or security of China or any other country.
Ambassador Xilian expressed appreciation for Año's reassurances and reiterated China's commitment to maintaining friendly and cooperative relations with the Philippines. He acknowledged the importance of mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and emphasized the need for continued communication and dialogue to address any concerns or issues that may arise in the future.
The meeting between Año and Ambassador Xilian concluded with a mutual understanding of the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. Both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation on matters of mutual interest, while respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and concerns over the Taiwan issue. The Philippines, as a key player in the region, is reaffirming its commitment to pursuing a foreign policy that is guided by the principles of non-interference, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, including China and the United States.
Apr 16, 2023
