TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s foreign ministry praised Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo for supporting peace in the Taiwan Strait on Thursday.

Speaking at the Regional Outlooks Forum 2025 in Singapore, Manalo said the Philippines advocates for a peaceful resolution to Taiwan Strait issues, per the foreign ministry. He said that the proximity of the Philippines to Taiwan and the countless Filipinos living and working in Taiwan make maintaining cross-strait dialogue key to preventing a conflict.

The foreign ministry pointed out that Manolo also made similar remarks in August. Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., and other high-ranking Philippine officials have also repeatedly underscored the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the foreign ministry said. 

The ministry reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Philippines under the principle of comprehensive diplomacy. It also called on the global community to uphold a rules-based international order and promote democracy and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.