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Taiwanese in PHL urged to keep safe at anti-China protests in Manila


Saying some Filipinos may not be able to distinguish Taiwanese from Chinese, Taiwan advised its residents staying in the Philippines to mind their safety Friday, when Philippine groups stage anti-China protests over the month-old standoff between the Philippines and China at Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).
 
Taiwan's Central News Agency reported Thursday Taiwan's representative office in Manila also urged Taiwanese in the Philippines not to hesitate in seeking help from the representative office.
 
It sent the advisory by fax or e-mail to various Taiwanese chambers of commerce and expatriate groups in the Philippines, the CNA report added.
 
On Friday, Filipino groups including Akbayan, a group allied with President Benigno Aquino III, plan to picket Friday the Chinese embassy in Manila over the month-long standoff.
 
The standoff started April when Philippine military forces spotted Chinese fishermen taking marine species from the area.
 
But before a Philippine Navy crew could make arrests, Chinese vessels blocked its path.
 
China said the shoal area, which it calls Huangyan Island, is part of their territory.
 
On the other hand, Taiwan noted it is in a sovereignty dispute with the Philippines and China over the Spratly Islands.
 
While Taiwan considers itself a separate country from China, the Philippines considers it a province of China, as per the One China policy.
 
Under the policy, the Philippines maintains diplomatic and trade ties with China, but only trade ties with Taiwan. –KG, GMA News
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