PH not recognizing Taiwan as sovereign state - DFA chief

Metro Manila, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed that the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, reiterating Manila’s commitment to the “One China Policy” in line with the country’s 1975 Joint Communique with Beijing.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Sen. Imee Marcos, Lazaro emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has consistently upheld the Philippines’ recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole government of China.

“The basic message that I will convey here is that the 1975 Joint Communique of the Philippines and China is foundational to the good relations of both countries,” Lazaro said on Thursday, Aug. 28.

“We do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve cross-strait matters,” she added.

Lazaro also stressed that successive Philippine administrations have maintained the policy through “separate but related issuances,” though the government continues to engage with Taiwan in functional areas.

“The Filipino people have long-standing relations with the Taiwanese people and therefore benefit from continued engagement with them,” she said, adding that cooperation is limited to “trade, investment, economic cooperation, and tourism.”

Marcos, however, pressed the DFA on the historical shifts in policy implementation, noting stricter prohibitions under past administrations.

Lazaro agreed that the rules had evolved but maintained that the core policy remained unchanged. “It’s the implementation of the One China Policy,” she said.

“They were very restricted in 1992 and are not allowed to officially engage. But economic and functional engagements may be permitted, provided they are cleared with the DFA and done under strict protocols.”

The DFA chief detailed that visiting officials must use ordinary passports, avoid official state symbols such as flags or anthems, and submit reports after their trips.

Lazaro added that while Manila adheres to the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, it remains concerned for the nearly 200,000 Filipinos in Taiwan should tensions escalate.

“With our concern for Filipinos and the impact of conflict, we continue to call for restraint and dialogue,” the official said.