MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirms its commitment to the One-China Policy after Taiwan held its elections and selected a pro-independent candidate for its president.
In a statement released Sunday, the DFA “reaffirms the principles contained in the Joint Communique of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the People’s Republic of China signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and Premier Zhou Enlai on 9 June 1975.
This is after Taiwan held its presidential elections last Saturday and declared ruling Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te as its new president, known for his pro-independent stance against China.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry insists that “there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change.”
It also mentioned the “prevailing consensus” of the international community on “upholding the One-China principle”.
“The One-China principle is the solid anchor for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the Foreign Ministry added.
The Joint Communique also states that “the two Governments agree to settle all disputes by peaceful means… without resorting to the use or threat of force.”
This is after a series of confrontational incidents between the Chinese Coast Guard and militia and the Philippine Coast Guard undergoing resupply missions for soldiers stationed on board the beached World War 2 era ship BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal in the last quarter of 2023.
