Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that there is no need to worry about the escalating tensions in Taiwan.
Previously, Brawner had ordered the preparation of troops to rescue Filipinos in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, amid China’s expanded military exercises in Taiwan’s territory.
Brawner clarified that his statement was based on the AFP’s mandate to protect the Filipino people and ensure security in the country’s territories, without interfering in the escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. However, China took issue with Brawner’s statement, urging certain individuals in the Philippines to refrain from making unfounded comments regarding Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun had earlier warned the Philippines not to get involved in the escalating tensions over Taiwan, cautioning that those who “play with fire will burn themselves.”
Guo emphasized that China’s issue with Taiwan is an internal affair that other countries should not interfere with.
(AFP Public Affairs Photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.