China summons Philippines envoy over Taiwan

Comes after Manila lifts decades-old travel ban restricting officials from visiting Taiwan

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Tuesday summoned the Philippines envoy to protest Manila’s recent moves regarding Taiwan, the China Daily newspaper reported.

Liu Jinsong, the head of the Foreign Ministry's Asian Affairs department, summoned Jaime FlorCruz to voice concerns about the Taiwan issue and broader security matters.

The development comes after the Philippines lifted a decades-old travel ban on April 21 that had restricted officials from visiting Taiwan, allowing Philippine officials to visit Taiwan for trade and investment purposes.

The Philippines introduced the travel ban in 1987, under then-President Corazon Aquino, which broadly barred government officials from visiting Taiwan or hosting delegations.

Travel restrictions, however, remain for the president, vice president, foreign secretary and defense secretary.

China considers Taiwan its breakaway province, but Taipei insists on its independence.

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