Q: Spokesperson of the Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Trinidad recently said that “international cooperation with Taiwan is in the talks, both sides are one step away from joint activities and military to military cooperation.” What is the Chinese Embassy’s comment on this?

A: Taiwan is a province of China and an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interest. The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and the political bedrock of China-Philippines relations. China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between its Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China. We urge the Philippine side to abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. We call on relevant officials of the Philippines to refrain from making provocations on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will perish by it.