A Governor of the island province, Marilou Cayco, indicated that, although she initially requested funds from the US for the construction of the port, she ended up asking the Philippine Port Authority for help.
The project aims to improve the loading and unloading capacity of ships coming from the Philippine capital Manila during monsoons when existing facilities become inaccessible.
In this way, Philippine authorities avoided a new point of friction with China, given the growing US presence in the region.
The Bashi Channel – which separates the Batanes Islands from Taiwan – is crossed by a large number of ships sailing through the western Pacific and the disputed South China Sea and, in the event of an invasion of Taiwan, would become a sea route key.
The Chinese embassy in the Philippines said Taiwan’s affairs are “China’s internal affairs” and “should never become an issue between China and the Philippines,” adding that “any attempt to involve the Taiwan issue in the maritime disputes between both countries is dangerous.”
Taiwan has been governed autonomously since the Chinese nationalist Kuomintang army retreated to the island in 1949 after being defeated by communist troops in the civil war.
Beijing claims sovereignty over the island, which it considers a province of the People’s Republic of China, and does not exclude the use of force for reunification.
The Taiwan issue is one of the main points of friction between China and the United States, which is Taipei’s main arms supplier and has committed to defending the island in the event of a conflict.
Read Also: “Most wanted man” in the Philippines detained in Dili, authorities say
Download our free App.
Eighth consecutive year Consumer Choice for Online Press and elected product of the year 2024.
* Study by e Netsonda, Nov. and ten. 2023 product of the year – pt.com
Download our free App.
Eighth consecutive year Consumer Choice for Online Press and elected product of the year 2024.
* Study by e Netsonda, Nov. and ten. 2023 product of the year – pt.com
Tags: Philippines refuses build port Taiwan
