Taipei to Manila: We're not an infected China area

Taiwan's foreign ministry called on Philippines government Tuesday to lift travel ban imposed on Taiwanese visitors because of coronavirus.

ban was issued Monday night by Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board, which bars entry to all people - except for Filipi citizens - coming from China, Hong Kong and Macao.

measure also includes Taiwan because Philippines classifies Taiwan as part of China.

Taiwan's foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told reporters in Taipei that Taiwan was t an infected Chinese region and was doing well to contain spre of virus.

According to Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, self-ruled island has 18 confirmed cases and patients are all in stable condition.

Taiwan has developed its own identity since separating from China during civil war in 1949, but has never declared formal independence.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and wants island to reunite with mainland.