Philippines eases Taiwan travel ban for officials
The Philippines has relaxed a long-standing rule that stopped most government officials from visiting Taiwan.
The change allows them to travel there for business, trade or investment talks, as long as they use regular passports and do not mention their job titles.
The country’s top leaders, including the president, vice president, and foreign and defence secretaries, are still not allowed to go.
The new rule took effect on April 15 and was confirmed in a memo from the government.
The change is meant to help the Philippines grow its economy by making it easier to connect with important trading partners like Taiwan.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed the move and called it a good step forward.
It said the new rule will help build stronger ties between the two countries, which have worked together for many years without formal diplomatic relations.
The Philippines first recognised China in 1975, which led to its unofficial relationship with Taiwan.
But in recent years, especially under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country has slowly moved toward closer ties with Taiwan.
Marcos even congratulated Taiwan’s new president earlier this year, which angered China.
This latest move comes as the Philippines is also working more closely with the United States on military cooperation. China has warned against these ties, saying they threaten peace in the region.
