PH affirms One-China Policy; Taiwan not a sovereign state

The Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state and continues to uphold the One-China Policy, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday, Aug. 28.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

In her opening remarks at a Senate hearing, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro underscored that the 1975 Joint Communique between Manila and Beijing remains “foundational” to bilateral ties.

She explained that the change in recognition from the Republic of China to the People's Republic of China in 1975 is the basis of the country's One-China Policy.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs is the guardian and steward of the One-China Policy," Lazaro told senators.

The foreign affairs chief stressed that successive administrations have reinforced the policy through "separate but related issuances," demonstrating continuity in the Philippines' official position.

"We do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state," Lazaro said.

"We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve Cross-Straits matters," she added.

Lazaro noted that while Manila recognizes only Beijing, it maintains long-standing relations with the Taiwanese people and benefits from continued engagement with them.

The DFA chief also pointed out that President Marcos has not deviated from the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, as stipulated in the 1975 Joint Communique.

She added that the Philippines' position balances its diplomatic obligations with its concern for Filipinos in the region.

"With our concern for Filipinos and the impact of conflict, we continue to call for restraint and dialogue," Lazaro said.

The One-China Policy has been a cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1975 under then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

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