China reiterated its call for the Philippines to abide by the One China policy and stop official interaction with Taiwan authorities after a Philippine military official revealed talks about "international cooperation" with Taiwan.

The spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stated that it "firmly opposes any form of official interaction between its Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China."

"China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between its Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China. We urge the Philippine side to abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," it stated.

"We call on relevant officials of the Philippines to refrain from making provocations on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will perish by it," the Embassy added.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued its statement in response to the recent interview of Taiwan media with Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippines Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad confirming the ongoing talks about the "international cooperation with Taiwan".

"International cooperation with Taiwan I believe is now in the talks. We now have the regularization of cross-strait transit of warships. I believe there will be an increase of that in the coming days in the coming years, that would also be just one step away from doing joint activities military to military," he said.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the lines of communication between Philippines and China remain open.

"The Philippines and China maintain open lines of communication through regular diplomatic channels, and our exchanges are sustained and constant," Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said on Wednesday.

"The two sides regularly exchange frank views over various issues, including on Taiwan, through these channels, and will continue to do so," she added. Robina Asido/DMS