Manila, Nov 24: The Philippines today barred a planned visit here by Taiwan's Vice President Annette Lu and Foreign Minister Eugene Chien after a warning from China that it could dampen bilateral ties. Foreign Secretary Blas Ople said Manila refused to issue visas to the two officials in line with its recognition of the One-China policy that says China is the legitimate government and Taiwan is a renegade province.
Ople said the Taiwan Economic Minister Lin yi-Fu would however be allowed to attend a business conference in Manila this week.
"The leaders of Taiwan have a clear idea of our policy and I do not anticipate that they would take any action that would place The Philippines in a different or compromising position," Ople said in a written statement.
"There is no change in policy. The Philippines adheres to the One-China policy," Ople said.
Chinese Ambassador to Manila Wang Chunggui called on Ople last week and warned that bilateral ties could suffer if the Lu visit were allowed, sources who asked not to be identified told reporters at the weekend.
Bureau Report