China objects to Taiwan posting of military men

Short of diplomatic protest, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has called the attention of the Philippine government on the designation of three military attaches in Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan saying it is a violation of the One China Policy.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja said yesterday China objected to the designation of military attaches in MECO because the office is not an embassy.

"Not that I know of a diplomatic protest against MECO chief Edgardo Espinosa. What China objects to is the designation of so-called police or military attaches in Taiwan that violates the One China Policy," Baja said.

China objected to the designation of Col. Arnulfo Bauzon and Lt. Col. Marcelino Yacat, of the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy, respectively, and Espinosa himself for reportedly designating them. Bauzon and Yacat are both active officers.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) communicated China’s concern with the Department of National Defense (DND) to make necessary adjustments on the post.

"It’s short of a diplomatic protest. China called the attention because that might be a violation of the One China Policy."

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin said military attaches cannot be sent to Taiwan because the country has no diplomatic recognition.