TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China has no right to criticize normal trade exchanges such as last week’s apparent visit by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to the Philippines, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

A joint Taiwan-US trade delegation spent Aug. 25–30 in the Philippines, officially led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Huang Chao-chin (黃昭欽). Media widely reported that Lin also joined the trip, though MOFA did not confirm.

China accused Manila of crossing a red line by allowing Taiwan’s foreign minister to visit. MOFA said Tuesday it is natural for Taiwan and the Philippines to boost trade and investment, per CNA.

Beijing has drawn “red lines” for many countries, but bilateral relations should be based on mutual respect and shared interests, MOFA spokesperson Shao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said. He added that strengthening trade ties is normal international practice.

Shao declined to confirm whether Lin personally led the mission. Key participants included Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association Chair Joseph Lyu (呂桔誠) and US-Taiwan Business Council Executive Vice President Lotta Danielsson.a