Philippines swiftly issued a clarification, reaffirming its understanding of the Taiwan issue and its recognition of China’s red lines. On September 20, according to Agence France-Presse, reports emerged that the Philippines was considering allowing Taiwan to establish an office in Cebu Province in central Philippines. In response, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs made an urgent clarification. It stated clearly that, under the 1975 Joint Communiqué between the Philippines and China, Philippine policy remains consistent, clear, and unchanged. The document confirms that the Philippine government recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.
The Department emphasized that it remains the authoritative voice of the Philippine government in matters of foreign policy. It reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts grounded in international law, maintaining dialogue, and resolving disputes peacefully, while collaborating with relevant institutions to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos across the Taiwan Strait. This statement comes at a critical juncture: following remarks by Teodoro suggesting that the implementation of the one-China policy is a matter for Manila, not Beijing, and amid growing efforts by the DPP to expand its extraterritorial activities, the timely clarification underscores the Philippines’ adherence to established positions.
The message is unequivocal: the Philippines upholds the one-China principle without qualification or change. By asserting that “this department remains the authoritative voice of the Philippine government,” the Foreign Department effectively signals that Teodoro’s remarks represent personal views, not official policy. Given the current state of bilateral relations between China and the Philippines, why did the department feel compelled to issue this clarification?
The answer lies in the Philippines’ clear awareness that the Taiwan issue constitutes a core political red line for China. Allowing the establishment of a de facto representative office by the Taiwan authorities would amount to a de facto elevation of cross-strait separatist activities, severely undermining the political foundation of Sino-Philippine diplomatic relations. Such a move would be far more consequential than disputes over territorial sovereignty. While the Philippines has acted promptly to correct course, it must now demonstrate through concrete actions its genuine commitment to the one-China principle. Clearly, observers will assess not only what the Philippines says, but also what it does.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876867405978636/
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