MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the One China Policy, maintaining that Beijing remains the sole recognized authority of China while clarifying that functional ties with Taiwan will continue uninterrupted.
The diplomatic stance was reiterated following calls from Beijing for Manila to strictly uphold the policy amid plans by Taiwan to open a representative office in Cebu.
In its official release, the DFA pointed out that diplomatic alignment with Beijing does not restrict non-political engagements with Taipei.
”The Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirms the Philippines’ adherence to its One China Policy, in accordance with the 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Philippines and China, in which the Philippines recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China,” the DFA stated.
”This policy remains consistent, clear and unchanged,” the department added.
The DFA emphasized that standard economic, cultural, and operational engagements with the island nation will proceed as usual.
”The One China Policy does not preclude the Philippines from pursuing economic, cultural, and functional cooperation with Taiwan,” the agency noted.
Recalling earlier statements by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DFA pointed to the deep commercial ties between both territories, highlighting that:
”the Philippines and Taiwan are close neighbors with a long history of doing business together.”
Addressing authority over diplomatic decisions, the department cited domestic legislation to confirm its mandate in steering foreign relations.
”This role is grounded in law. The 1987 Constitution commits the State to an independent foreign policy, with executive power vested in the President,” the statement read.
”Under Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, the Department is the lead agency that advises and assists the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations,” it stated further.
The agency reinforced its duty to execute decisions handed down by the executive branch while seeking peaceful resolutions to regional disputes.
”will continue to rely on effective diplomacy, open communication, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law to advance the national interest and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond,” the agency stressed.
”Together with other relevant agencies, the Department will continue to ensure the welfare of Filipinos on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” the DFA concluded.