MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro on Thursday said she was open to discussions with China about possible ways to ensure the safety of Filipinos living in Taiwan, amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking at a Senate hearing, Lazaro was asked whether the Philippines could seek Beijing's help in evacuating close to 200,000 Filipinos living in Taiwan if conflict breaks out.

"We can do that," she replied, adding, "It's about time to also come up with these discussions."

Her remarks followed a warning from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this month that the Philippines would inevitably be drawn into a conflict between China and Taiwan should one erupt, due to its proximity to the democratically governed island.

Lazaro and other offici

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