The Philippines has clarified that it does not have any military agreements or plans for future military engagements with Taiwan, the democratically-governed island. The country’s armed forces chief, Romeo Brawner, conveyed this to foreign correspondents on Thursday.

The Philippines perceives the potential for conflict over Taiwan as a significant concern, particularly in the context of the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States.
The military is ready for any eventuality, though it has not monitored reports on any intended attacks on Taiwan in particular, Brawner said.

The Philippine military has put up a naval detachment in the country’s northernmost island of Mavulis, 150 km (93.2 miles) from the southern tip of Taiwan, where 150,000 Filipinos live and work.

The Philippines adheres to the “One China Policy”, and also has ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy.