THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated on Friday that the Philippines remains “clear and unwavering” in its adherence to the One China Policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole Chinese sovereign state.
“The 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China remains a cornerstone of our longstanding bilateral relationship,” the DFA said in a statement.
“In line with the One China Policy, which the Philippines has consistently upheld, the Government of the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This policy is clear and unwavering,” it added.
The statement followed reports of Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s visit to the country as part of a business delegation led by Lotta Danielson, executive vice president of the US-Taiwan Business Council—a trip criticized by Beijing.
DFA clarified, however, that “no official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation.”
Since the signing of the Joint Communiqué in June 1975, the Philippines has officially recognized Taiwan as part of Chinese territory and removed its formal representations on the island.
Still, Manila continues to maintain trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges with Taiwan, which the DFA emphasized are carried out “within the bounds” of the One China Policy.
The department also underscored the Philippines’ interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, citing geographical proximity and the presence of around 200,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan.
“Given these factors, we continue to call for restraint and dialogue. We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve cross-Strait matters,” the DFA said.