Anna Mogato | September 21, 2026
MANILA — The Philippines has not changed its policy recognizing j as the sole government in China, after Taiwan expressed interest in opening a second cultural and economic office in Cebu.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Manila has adhered to its One-China policy since 1975.
The Philippines “remains consistent, clear and unchanged”, but it does not bar the country from fostering separate relations with Taiwan.
“The One China Policy does not preclude the Philippines from pursuing economic, cultural and functional cooperation with Taiwan,” the DFA said.
“As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently noted, the Philippines and Taiwan are close neighbors with a long history of doing business together,” the statement read.
The statement comes after Taiwan announced it would open a second representative office in Cebu to serve long-term travelers and businessmen in the central region.
The expansion of its Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) is part of Taiwan’s plan to establish an economic corridor with the Philippines. (Also read: Taiwan transfers decommissioned vessel to the Philippines)
However, it has received pushback from China’s Foreign Ministry, when spokesperson Guo Jiakun called on the Philippines to follow through on the One-China policy with “concrete actions.”
The DFA said it will continue to conduct the country’s foreign relations based on the policies laid down by the chief executive as the architect of the country’s foreign policy.
“Consistent with this mandate, the Department 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 statement read.
“Together with other relevant agencies, the Department will continue to ensure the welfare of Filipinos on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.” (Also read: US Senate bid to tie PH, Taiwan military aid signals bigger role for AFP)