PH maintains One-China Policy amid Taiwan travel shift

Department of Foreign Affairs. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the Palace’s recent decision to ease travel restrictions for some Philippine officials to Taiwan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday affirmed that the country continues to uphold and observe the One-China Policy.

In an ambush interview, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo was asked if the policy will be maintained despite the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 82, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 15, which effectively eased the country’s travel ban to Taiwan.

READ: Malacañang eases Taiwan visit ban for most government officials

“Of course, we maintain the One-China Policy,” Manalo briefly said.

According to the foreign affairs chief, the issuance of the memorandum only intends to encourage trade and investment.

“That’s what we’re doing with all partners and so that’s consistent. But it’s still within the context of the One-China Policy,” said Manalo.

“It only concerns trying to promote trade and investment so that’s how I view it,” he added.

On April 21, Malacañang released new guidelines easing the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 313, which prohibits all government officials from visiting Taiwan or receiving calls from visiting Taiwanese officials.

EO 313 states that no Philippine government officials may visit Taiwan for official purposes, receive Taiwanese officials visiting the Philippines, or carry out any official activity relating to Taiwan without clearance from the DFA, in recognition of the One-China policy.

With the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 82, the ban now only applies to the president, vice president, secretary of Foreign Affairs, and secretary of National Defense.