DFA: One China policy does not prevent PH from cooperating with Taiwan

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The Philippines' One China policy does not prevent the country from pursuing economic, cultural, and functional cooperation with Taiwan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Sunday.

The DFA reaffirmed the Philippines' adherence to the policy, which recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China.

"The Philippines recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China. This policy remains consistent, clear and unchanged," the DFA said in a statement.

Citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DFA said the Philippines and Taiwan are "close neighbors with a long history of doing business together."

"The One China Policy does not preclude the Philippines from pursuing economic, cultural and functional cooperation with Taiwan," the agency said.

The DFA also reaffirmed its mandate to conduct diplomacy, maintain communication and pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

"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 DFA said.

In May, Marcos said the Philippines had always upheld the One China policy, which recognizes the People's Republic of China as the only Chinese sovereign state.

Marcos, however, said any confrontation should be avoided and conflicts should be settled through peaceful means.

"We have many other considerations, but we end up in the same position that we want to avoid any confrontation. We want to avoid any hostilities around...Taiwan simply because we do not want to be involved in any war, we do not want to be involved in any conflict," Marcos said.

"Conflicts be resolved peacefully. And again, it all revolves in peace. And that is, I think, what everyone's ultimate goal is in Japan, the Philippines, and all the countries around the region," he added.— MCG, GMA News