The Philippines is looking to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan to safeguard undersea cables and tackle “gray-zone” activities, despite its one-China policy that recognizes Beijing and not Taipei. Philippine diplomat Felipe F. Carino III highlighted the need for this collaboration to protect mutual interests in the Bashi Channel, noting that both countries have faced pressure from China without direct confrontations. Although he did not mention China directly, Carino linked the security of undersea cables to tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of these cables for intercontinental data flow and cybersecurity.
Carino stated that the Philippines is exploring various forms of practical cooperation with Taiwan, including knowledge-sharing and capacity building, to address issues in their region. In response, China reminded the Philippines to adhere strictly to the one-China principle. When asked about potential joint patrols or accountability for vessels disrupting communications, Carino indicated that the cooperation is evolving but did not provide specific details.
Taiwan has also increased efforts to protect its undersea communications following incidents involving Chinese vessels. Recently, the Philippines coast guard deployed its largest vessel and an aircraft against a Chinese research ship near key undersea cable corridors. Taiwan’s deputy representative in Washington, Andrea Yang, noted an incident where a Chinese ship captain was jailed for damaging an undersea cable and emphasized the need for UN intervention to prevent such disruptions.
With information from Reuters
