The Evolution of the Philippines’ Policy Towards Taiwan Since 2016

Abstract

During his administration, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte adhered to the One China principle and Philippine-Taiwan interactions were kept within reasonable limits. Since President Marcos Jr. came to power, Philippine-Taiwan interactions have been enhanced and the One China principle has been relaxed. The dynamic elements that led to the President Marcos Jr. administration’s position on Taiwan are the leader’s personal experiences and security perceptions, Filipino workers in Taiwan, dissatisfaction with China’s handling of the South China Sea disputes, and US involvement in regional affairs. The transformation of the Marcos Jr. government’s position on Taiwan has complicated the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. It’s almost certain that China would continue to keep its economic cooperation with the Philippines, improve the existing mechanism for dealing with the South China Sea issue, while firmly safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and interests in the South China Sea issue and the Taiwan Question.