At the recent anniversary event of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army held in the Philippines on July 30, 2025, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian claimed that “Taiwan’s return to China was a key outcome of the victory in World War II.”

Let me be absolutely clear: this assertion is a blatant distortion of historical truth, designed not only to mislead but also to justify the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) illegal and illegitimate claims over Taiwan.

A basic fact of history must be emphasized: the PRC was founded in 1949, four years after the conclusion of World War II in 1945. It was the Republic of China (ROC), not the PRC, that fought as part of the Allied Powers during the war, including alongside the United States and the Philippines. The PRC played no role in the wartime alliance and did not even exist at the time.

Ambassador Huang’s statement reflects nothing more than the PRC’s revisionist historical narrative—one that attempts to insert itself into a victory it neither earned nor participated in. This is not only disingenuous but an affront to the sacrifices made by the real Allied nations.

The Cairo Declaration (1943) and Potsdam Declaration (1945), respectively are the key diplomatic instruments of the postwar order and clearly affirmed that Taiwan should be restored to the Republic of China (ROC). The PRC was not a signatory to either. Nor did it take part in the Cairo Conference, Potsdam negotiations, or sign the Japanese Instrument of Surrender in 1945.

Moreover, the PRC was not party to either the Treaty of San Francisco (1951) or the Treaty of Taipei (1952), which addressed Japan’s postwar obligations and the status of Taiwan. Simply put, the PRC has no legal, historical, or moral basis to claim sovereignty over Taiwan.

The Cairo Declaration could not be clearer: “Formosa and the Pescadores shall be restored to the Republic of China.”

It is dishonest for Beijing to retroactively claim this language refers to the PRC, which did not even exist at the time. The Republic of China refers to the ROC—whose government today resides in Taiwan and continues to uphold democratic governance.

We are witnessing a broader campaign of historical falsification and revisionism, an obvious attempt by Beijing to rewrite the legacy of World War II and obscure the contributions of the ROC, the United States, the Philippines, and other true Allied nations who fought for freedom and democracy.

Ambassador Huang also invoked the so-called One-China Policy and misrepresented United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971). Let us be precise: Resolution 2758 solely resolved the issue of China’s representation at the UN. It does not mention Taiwan, much less confer sovereignty over Taiwan to the PRC. To suggest otherwise is a deliberate misreading of the resolution’s scope.

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a sovereign, democratic, and self-governed state. It has a functioning government, independent judiciary, professional military, diplomatic missions, currency, and passport. Its people elect their leaders through free and fair elections. The PRC has never governed Taiwan—not for a single day.

We urge governments, international organizations, the media, and freedom-loving peoples around the world to reject Beijing’s false narrative. Stand against coercion and historical distortion. Stand with Taiwan, a reliable democratic partner dedicated to peace, freedom, and regional stability.

Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan has the authority to represent its people.

Taiwan will continue to stand firm, and in close partnership with like-minded countries such as the Philippines, we will work to uphold our shared values, defend democratic freedoms, and promote enduring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Editor’s Note: Dustin T. S. Yang, Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, replies to the Chinese Embassy’s remark from Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian claiming that “Taiwan’s return to China was a key outcome of the victory in World War II.”

1. Japan reiterates serious concern over repeated actions which obstruct freedom of navigation and increase regional tensions including recent dangerous actions that resulted in damage to the Filipino vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard.
   
2. Japan believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community, and thus Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea. As stated in the Joint Vision Statement from the Leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States in April 2024, the Government of Japan is concerned by unlawful maritime claims and steadfastly opposes the dangerous and coercive use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea.
   
3. Also, Japan highly appreciates the Government of the Philippines for having consistently complied with the Arbitral Tribunal’s award as to the disputes between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding the South China Sea and shown its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea, as stated in the joint press statement between Japan and the Philippines issued in November 2023, and the statement by the Foreign Minister of Japan issued in July 2023, on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the issuance of the award.
   
4. The arbitral award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and Japan strongly hopes that the parties’ compliance with the award will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.
   
5. Japan has consistently advocated upholding the rule of law at sea, and will continue to cooperate with the international community such as ASEAN Member States and the United States to protect the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

The European Union reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region and the international rules-based order. Furthermore, the European Union emphasizes the importance for all parties to respect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.  

We urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including its dispute settlement mechanisms. In this context, the European Union recalls the Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS on July 12, 2016, which found that Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. 

The European Union supports the ASEAN-led process towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which should be effective, substantive and legally binding, and not prejudice the interests of third parties.

By Alithea De Jesus

With the gradual opening of the global economy, business travel resumes in many countries and to ensure that the pandemic is contained, the officials from APEC member economies have finally completed the modernization and improvement of the security and efficiency of business travel by launching the Virtual APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

With this virtual APEC Business Travel Card, business travelers from the Philippines engaged in selling goods or services and investments between Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies will now experience streamlined entry to participating economies.

This, as the APEC business travel card (ABTC) transitions from physical to virtual cards using the new mobile application that will provide real-time updates/approvals by economies using their application status.

“As the virtual card will replace the current physical cards, they are considered as good as the physical card when presented to the immigration authorities at points of entry in APEC member countries,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acting Asst. Secretary Senen Mangalile informed Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. in a letter.

The ABTC provides businesspeople with a streamlined entry to participating economies through a simple pre-clearance system that allows them to obtain multiple short-term entries to participating APEC economies through a single application.

The virtual ABTC has been created for the convenience of approved cardholders and will bring the ABTC scheme into the modern and digitized era of global travel. It is free to download and accessible for those applicants who have been approved for an ABTC.

“It provides cardholders from fully participating member economies with a more secure, efficient, convenient, and user-friendly service.

The virtual ABTC automatically updates as a cardholder opens or refreshes their smart device ‘app’, ensuring all relevant information is up-to-date and readily available for the cardholder’s travel,” according to the APEC Business Mobility Group.

Participating economies in the ABTC scheme currently includes Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Each economy determines its own timeline to transition to the virtual ABTC for its cardholders.

In line with this, Mangalile requested the exporters’ group to provide the department with a list of ABTC cardholders among its members with their respective personal email addresses.

“The information is needed so that they could be provided with access or log-in credentials to the mobile application,” he said.

Mangalile also asked the PHILEXPORT to inform its members who are ABTC holders about the new process, adding that the department will provide a user manual and frequently asked questions once APEC has finalized them.

During the 52nd ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez stressed that the ASEAN’s 2020 theme of “cohesive and responsive” is the formula on how the region can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let us continue to strengthen effective cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination given that the socio-economic impact of the pandemic cuts across sectors,” Sec. Lopez said.

He added, “We suggest looking into the sectors that significantly contribute to our regional economic growth, such as travel and tourism, and education, and on areas that are can serve as drivers to regional growth such as digital technology, and e-commerce.”

The trade chief met with other trade ministers on August 25, 2020, where he advocated for strengthened regional support for MSMEs, especially during this challenging time. Together with the other ministers, Sec. Lopez also emphasized the need for an enhanced shift to digital platforms.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we promote e-commerce in the region, but also to support our MSMEs and at the same encourage consumer spending which is highly needed in this challenging time,” Sec. Lopez said.

Earlier in the day, the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA Council) Meeting and the AEM-23rd ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council Meeting were also held.

The Trade Secretary also noted, “It is also important that we continue to provide opportunities for our migrant workers, facilitate the essential movement of business travel, promote the use of digital technology, and enhance consumer protection at this time of the pandemic.”

The ASEAN member states also shared their respective best trade and economic practices on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, the ministers also lauded the adoption of the Hanoi Plan of Action on Strengthening ASEAN Economic Cooperation and Supply Chain Connectivity in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The Hanoi Plan of Action on Strengthening ASEAN Economic Cooperation and Supply Chain Connectivity in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic is a testament of our commitment to work together,” Sec. Lopez said.

During the meeting, the Philippines also discussed how it would navigate rules that will further improve the investment environment in the Philippines.

The Trade Secretary endorsed his support for the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that would broaden and deepen the ASEAN region’s Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with its five partners, namely, the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Philippines also expressed its utmost support for the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies (RRMS), which the trade chief said will be extremely helpful in terms of ensuring the availability of much-needed supplies in times of similar situations in the future.

The Trade Chief added: “We strongly support the development of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. This work should guide ASEAN in the recovery towards a new and better normal, that takes into account the concerns of all our stakeholders.”

Aside from these, Sec. Lopez also continued to push for non-tariff measures in order the enhance integration on trade and investment.

“At this time of crisis, unnecessary trade barriers should have no place in our Intra ASEAN trade as they only aggravate the adverse effect of the pandemic,” he said.

Considering all that our countrymen have gone through over the past few months-the jobs lost, the businesses declaring bankruptcy, and the number of people struggling to feed their families- there has been an obvious need to call a ceasefire of politicking, rather focusing on our recovery. Our country and its people must come first and, as always, we must show the global community that the Filipino people remain resilient as ever.

But, as our country struggles to regain its footing, despite wave after wave of cases, coupled with months of uncertainty, it is clear there are people taking advantage of a pre-occupied and fragile nation. One such group is the Elegant Fumes Corporation, operating out of Binondo and partly-owned by Chinese nationals. Recently, Manila Mayor Isko Morena shut down its outlets after netizens posted products-distributed by the said company- that claimed Manila as a province of China.

Is this a pressing issue, given that we are in the midst of a public health emergency? All signs point to YES; this clear attempt to undermine our sovereignty during a pandemic cannot go unpunished and we must act swiftly. The foreign nationals who claim Manila to be a part of the People’s Republic of China allude to the idea that their government has control over the independent and free Filipino. Our national sovereignty, and its external aspect, ensure that we, as a country, remain free from foreign influence. In a time where each and every life hangs in the balance, we hope that those suffering now do not leave this earth to see our country in its current state, but that they live to see it be better. We fight for every Filipino life threatened by this virus so that they may see a future where the Philippines flourishes, even on a global stage.

This is not solely a matter of Filipino pride, but how our leadership handles the gravity of the situation is a testament to how important sovereignty is to the administration. The deliberate deflection by the mouthpiece of Malacañang, and refusal to take the issue seriously, is paralleled with their infamous failure to uphold the Hague ruling. The President’s love affair with China continues, and we are reminded of the multiple attempts to justify an inability to uphold a ruling handed to us on a silver platter by an International Court. Even now, in the country’s capital, there is still a refusal to take a strong stand. As the Elegant Fumes product was manufactured in 2018, could it really be a coincidence that, in that same year, our President Duterte made one of his infamous “jokes” about making the Philippines a province of China?

Everything is deemed as a joke, and it is -apparently- our fault when it lands flat. But I cannot apologize when it is my country that is made out to be the joke. When our leadership jokes about making our country a province of China, how can it really be just a joke when the Presidential spokesperson won’t even entertain the seriousness of this issue. The NBI-International Operations Division is currently leading the investigation, but we must remind our leaders that the power to deport foreign nationals is a police measure that lies in the state, under the authority of our sovereign power. The blatant disrespect of our laws cannot go unnoticed, and if the statement about making the country a province of PRC is really a “joke”, now is the time to be serious. The label of Elegant Fumes is clearly not an oversight, rather an intentional effort to belittle our country, and we have been bullied for far too long. This mindset has obviously seeped into the minds of the owners of Elegant Fumes who decided to claim parts of Binondo as Chinese-owned as well. We must remind the world that those who reside here must respect our laws, our people, and our sovereignty. Any evidence to the contrary should not be dismissed, but rather met with a swift and distinctive response. We are not Chinese-owned, we are Filipino and we will proudly proclaim it.

During last month’s State of the Nation Address, our President proclaimed that he has worked without fail to protect our rights in the South China sea against the PRC – that we are not pawns to anyone – and celebrated our diplomatic efforts.

Mr. President, as you have used a chess analogy let me use the same – you are correct in saying the Filipino people are not pawns, as we are not to be traded off and exchanged for the benefit of the long game. We are not to be placed strategically and used in situations to allow the other, more “valuable” pieces, to thrive. Sadly, after four years, your so-called gambit to China only brought upon the Wuhan virus and more jobs to Chinese, rather than to Filipinos. Luckily the country is resilient and the people steadfast, but this resilience should never be mistaken for complacency. It’s still not too late to develop the country into what she truly is – a queen.