China Says Philippines’ Base Decision Stoking Taiwan Tension

  • Philippines preparing to ensure safety of Filipinos in Taiwan
  • China says US advancing ‘anti-China agenda’ with new sites
US and Philippine troops fire a Javelin anti-tank weapon system during a joint military exercises in Nueva Ecija, Philippines on April 13.Photographer: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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A Chinese envoy said the Philippines is “stoking the fire” over Taiwan’s independence by giving the US access to military sites near the Taiwan Strait under an expanded defense agreement.

While Manila has adhered to the one-China principle, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines said the decision “has caused widespread and grave concern among Chinese people.” Huang Xilian was speaking Friday at a forum in Manila on China-Philippines relations.