The Philippines’ foreign ministry on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s “One China policy” after its president, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., congratulated Taiwan’s new leader Lai Ching-te.
Mr. Marcos on Monday congratulated Mr. Lai for winning Taiwan’s election, referring to him as its next president.
The Philippines’ foreign ministry said the congratulatory message was Mr. Marcos’ way of recognizing the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests”, including the 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island.
“The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the statement said.
The Southeast Asian nation, which has expressed concerns over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, has ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. — Reuters