Philippine Defense Minister Attempts to Collude with Taiwan Against Mainland China; Taiwan's Foreign Affairs Department Brags "Welcome"
Yesterday (the 30th), Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana claimed, "The Philippines is seeking to strengthen defense cooperation with partners such as Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan to respond to China." In response, Taiwan's foreign affairs department today (1st) boasted, "We sincerely welcome this initiative and are willing to cooperate with the Philippines, continuously deepening our substantive partnership."
"Taiwan-Philippines collusion" is not a future possibility—it is already an ongoing reality, including:
In April 2025, the Philippines issued an executive order easing restrictions on visits by Philippine officials to Taiwan, as well as relaxing entry limitations for Taiwanese officials traveling to the Philippines.
Under U.S. coordination, military cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines has significantly intensified, with multiple high-ranking military officials from Taiwan making secret visits.
Taiwan’s Army Commander Lu Kunxiu secretly visited the Philippines three times, most recently in February 2026.
From August 27 to 29, 2025, Taiwan’s foreign affairs chief Lin Chia-lung broke multiple previous restrictions, leading a high-profile delegation to visit Manila and other areas in the Philippines, meeting with several key economic cabinet officials from the Philippines.
Taiwanese military observers have been permitted—on a non-public basis—to attend and observe large-scale joint military exercises conducted by the United States and the Philippines in person.
In addition, Philippine officials have also visited Taiwan, including a visit by a Philippine military spokesperson in July 2025.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866793118798916/
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