China warns Philippines of 'price to pay for trampling red line' over Taiwan

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Beijing on Friday warned the Philippines of a "price to pay for trampling on China’s red line," following reports that Taiwan's top diplomat visited Manila.

"There is a price to pay for trampling on China’s red line, and all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippines," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun in a statement.

By allowing top Taiwanese diplomat Lin Chia-lung to visit the country, Manila "has provided a platform for 'Taiwan independence' separatists to engage in anti-China activities, and has severely violated the basic norms in international relations and the Philippines’ own commitment on Taiwan-related issues," Guo said.

Taipei has not formally said anything about Lin's trip to the Southeast Asian nation, but noted that a business delegation is visiting the Philippines.

Beijing has lodged a "serious" protest with Manila over the issue, said Guo, noting that the Philippines' "series of wrong and provocative moves on Taiwan-related issues" has harmed the China-Philippines ties.

"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory," stated Guo, urging Manila to abide by the one-China principle.

"Stop pursuing the wrong course and return to the right track at once, stop playing with fire on issues concerning China’s core interests, and stop sending any wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," the spokesman said.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Taiwan rejects that claim and has insisted on its independence since 1949.​​​​​​​