Diplomacy

Manila Pushes Back on Beijing's Objection to New Taiwan Office in Cebu

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The Philippines is defending Taiwan’s plan to open a second representative office in the country after China warned the move could harm bilateral relations. Beijing said Manila should adhere to its "one China" policy but Philippine officials argued that the framework still allows economic and cultural engagement with Taiwan. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told local media, “We define the one China policy. We define it. Not them.” Taiwan’s new representative office is set to open in Cebu City, a major trade and tourism hub in the central Philippines and highlights growing working ties between Taipei and Manila.

Taiwan’s New Office in Philippines

REPORTER:  
Manila is pushing back after China objected to Taiwan opening a second representative office in the Philippines. Beijing said the Philippines should abide by its one China policy and that the new office could harm bilateral ties. But Manila said the one China framework still allows for economic and cultural ties with Taiwan. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told local media, "We define the One China policy. Not them." Taiwan’s new office is set to open in Cebu City, a major hub for trade and tourism in the central Philippines.

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Second Taiwan Office in Philippines

REPORTER:  
The Philippines is pushing back against China's objection to Taiwan's plan to open a representative office in Cebu City. China urged the Philippines to abide by its one China principle, saying the new office could harm bilateral ties. But Manila said its One China policy allows economic, cultural and functional cooperation with Taiwan. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also said Beijing should not interfere in how Manila implements that policy. The planned office would serve Taiwanese travelers and businesses in the central Philippines.