DFA won't confirm visit of Taiwan FM in PH

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) neither confirmed nor denied that Taiwan's Foreign Minister was in the Philippines for a trade meeting.

"Consistent with the Philippines’ One China Policy, no official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation that recently visited the Philippines," the DFA said in a statement on Friday.

Reports said Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung led a Taiwanese business delegation to a trade event in the country this week.

Manila does not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a democratic self-ruling island which has been separated from the Chinese mainland since 1949.

China objects to any foreign contact that appears to treat Taiwan as a sovereign government.

"In line with the One China Policy, which the Philippines has consistently upheld, the government of the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state," the DFA said, stressing "this policy is clear and unwavering."

Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory to one day be reclaimed by force if necessary, 

The Philippines maintains a de facto embassy in Taiwan, called the Manila Economic and Cultural Office or MECO.

Taiwan hosts around 200,000 Filipinos, mostly working in factories.

Despite the One China Policy, the DFA said it has economic and people-to-people engagements with Taiwan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism. 

These interactions, however, "are conducted within the bounds of our One China Policy."

"Given our geographical proximity and the presence of approximately 200,000 Filipinos working and residing in Taiwan, the Philippines has a direct interest in peace and stability in the region," the DFA said.

"We therefore continue to call for restraint and dialogue. We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve Cross-Straits matters." —LDF, GMA Integrated News