Philippines reaffirms One-China policy amid Taiwan's Cebu office plans

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reaffirmed its One-China policy, stating that while Manila recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government, the policy does not prevent the country from pursuing economic, cultural, and functional cooperation with Taiwan.

This clarification follows Taiwan’s announcement of plans to establish a second representative office in Cebu to support a proposed ‘Taiwan-Philippines economic corridor.’ Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung confirmed the project is underway, noting that while the existing Manila office serves the north, a Cebu office would better serve travelers, businesses, and expatriates in the central and southern regions.

The move has drawn objections from Beijing amid ongoing regional tensions. The DFA emphasized its authority to conduct foreign policy under the 1987 Constitution and noted that the Philippines and Taiwan are close neighbors with a long history of business engagement.