Philippines Reaffirms One China Policy, Maintains Ties with Taiwan

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to the One China Policy. The policy recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and the DFA stated it remains “consistent, clear and unchanged." However, the DFA added that the policy does not preclude the Philippines from pursuing economic, cultural, and functional cooperation with Taiwan. The Philippines maintains unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office. The statement comes as Guo Jiakun, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, urged the Philippines to abide by the One China Policy, following reports of Taiwan’s plans to establish a second representative office in Cebu. Citing Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, the DFA also asserted its position as the authoritative voice in the conduct of the Philippines’ foreign policy under presidential directive. — Francessca S. Abalos This stance by the Philippines suggests a delicate diplomatic balancing act amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with China's increasing maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea. Maintaining economic ties with Taiwan offers significant economic benefits to the Philippines, yet it also carries the risk of straining relations with China. Philippine foreign policy continually requires careful calibration between preserving national sovereignty and pursuing economic opportunities.