Philippines walks a fine line with China, formally acknowledging the one-China principle while deepening ties with Taiwan.

On September 20, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that, in accordance with the 1975 joint communiqué between China and the Philippines, it will continue to adhere to the one-China principle regarding the proposed establishment of a representative office for Taiwan in Cebu, and maintains no intention of changing this position.

Shortly thereafter, the statement pivoted, noting that despite upholding the one-China principle, cooperation with Taiwan in economic, cultural, and functional areas remains possible, given their long-standing history of trade and economic engagement.

Timing suggests both Manila and Taipei have strategic calculations at play:

First, in the economic sphere, mutual benefit is clear. In 2025, amid geopolitical tensions and the U.S.-China tariff war, bilateral trade between the Philippines and Taiwan reached $7.2 billion, growing by 6.7%—a positive trend expected to continue into this year, with new offices potentially boosting economic growth and reinforcing public support.

Second, in the political realm, both sides are leveraging each other: Taiwan is currently conducting its "nine-in-one" local elections, where the DPP seeks tangible achievements to bolster its standing; meanwhile, the Philippines faces mounting challenges over the South China Sea dispute and seeks external support. Enhanced cooperation could serve as a strategic counterbalance against China, while also aligning with U.S. and Japanese interests.

Nevertheless, while the Philippines’ plan does not explicitly violate its stated principles toward China, establishing such an office at this juncture would inevitably exert indirect influence on Taiwan’s domestic electoral process, amounting to interference in internal affairs. Such transparently calculated moves are likely to provoke stronger backlash and countermeasures from Beijing.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876905876228360/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.