Philippines reaffirms one-China policy after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai

The foreign ministry said the message was the president’s way of recognising Manila and Taiwan’s ‘mutual interests’

Marcos said he was looking ‘forward to close collaboration’ with Lai, prompting Beijing to summon the Philippine envoy to make ‘solemn representations’

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. Photo: AP

Published: 11:50am, 16 Jan 2024Updated: 3:54pm, 16 Jan 2024

The Philippines’ foreign ministry on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s one-China policy after President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr congratulated Taiwan’s new leader Lai Ching-te.

Marcos on Monday congratulated Lai for winning Taiwan’s election, referring to him as its next president and said he was looking “forward to close collaboration” and “strengthening mutual interests.”

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president,” Marcos said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead,” the Philippine president added.

The Philippines foreign ministry said the congratulatory message was Marcos’ way of recognising 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.