(Manila, 29th) – The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs today reiterated that the Philippines’ position on the “One-China Policy” is “clear and firm”, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole sovereign state of China.
In a statement, the foreign ministry indicated that the 1975 Joint Communiqué signed between the Philippines and China remains an important cornerstone of bilateral relations.
“In accordance with the Philippines’ long-standing adherence to the One-China Policy, the Philippine government does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This policy is clear and unwavering,” the statement emphasized.
This reiteration comes in response to reports of Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s recent visit to the Philippines, which drew criticism from Beijing. Lin Chia-lung reportedly accompanied a business delegation led by Danielson Rota, Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, but the Philippine foreign ministry clarified that “Taiwan officials are not considered members of the business delegation.”
The Philippines formally acknowledged in 1979 that Taiwan is a part of Chinese territory and withdrew all official representative offices.
Nonetheless, the country still maintains economic and civil exchanges with Taiwan, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism, but these interactions are all conducted within the framework of the One-China Policy.
The foreign ministry also called for restraint and dialogue among all parties in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing that due to the geographical proximity of the Philippines to Taiwan and the presence of around 200,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan, the Philippines has a direct interest in regional peace and stability.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue. Cross-strait affairs should be resolved by the Chinese people themselves,” the statement concluded.