Manila: According to Manila on Saturday, the top diplomat for the Philippines spoke to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang about the rising tensions in the area around Taiwan.

Enrique Manalo, the foreign minister of the Philippines, met Qin as the two nations look to expand their economic ties while also managing their South China Sea dispute, according to a statement released by the department of foreign affairs following the meeting.

"Secretary Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines' adherence to the One China Policy, while at the same time expressing concern over the escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait," the DFA said.

Also Read: Suspected separatist militants kill two civilians and four Nigerian police officers

China asserts Taiwan as its territory and has promised to one day seize control of the island, using force if necessary.

China and the Philippines were referred to by Qin as "close neighbours across the sea."

A strong and stable relationship between China and the Philippines is in line with the aspirations of both our two peoples and the other nations in the region, despite the fluid and unstable regional situation. During the discussion, Qin said.

He warned that recent rhetoric accusing China of upsetting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait could have dangerous repercussions at a forum on Friday in Shanghai. Such assertions are contrary to historical justice and fundamental common sense in international relations, he said in Shanghai.

Also Read:  Thousands accumulate outside the British Parliament In an anti-biodiversity protest

 The reasoning is flawed, and the results could be harmful. This month, China held military drills near Taiwan, simulating targeted attacks and a blockade of the island.

This was in response to a meeting in California between US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. In the vital South China Sea, China and the Philippines are also embroiled in a bitter maritime conflict.

Differences in the South China Sea, according to Manalo, "are not the sum total" of relations between the two countries, who have agreed to resolve differences through communication and collaboration. Beijing claims almost the entire waterway and disregarded a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that determined that its claims lack any merit.

Also Read:  Russia warns its citizens against visiting Canada

The DFA reported that other regional issues were also on the discussion list for Saturday