Taiwan Extends Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos Amid China Daily Racism Row
As outrage over a racist video from Chinese state media continues to grow, Taiwan has announced a welcome extension of visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders. This move comes at a time when tensions between Manila and Beijing are running high, but it is a clear sign of the warm relations between the Philippines and Taiwan.
What Did Taiwan Announce?
On Friday, July 17, Taiwan's office in the Philippines declared that Philippine passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for another year. The privilege, which was set to expire on July 31, 2026, is now extended until July 31, 2027. Filipinos with valid passports can stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days without a visa.
'In reciprocity for the visa-free privileges the Philippines has extended to Taiwan nationals, Taiwan has also extended its visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders for another year!' announced Taiwan's office in the Philippines.
The office also encouraged travel, saying, 'We look forward to seeing two-way travel between Taiwan and the Philippines continue to grow. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip now!'
Is This a Response to the China Daily Video?
To be clear, visa-free privileges are negotiated and decided in advance. It is unlikely that this decision was made solely because of the controversy between China and the Philippines. But the timing is certainly interesting.
The China Daily video, released by the state-run Chinese publication, depicted the Philippines and Filipinos as monkeys that merely follow the orders of powers like the United States and Japan. The video has sparked widespread anger online, with many calling it racist and disrespectful.
How Does Taiwan Fit Into the Picture?
Taiwan is independently governed, but China claims it as its own. The Philippines follows the One-China Policy, which means it 'understands and respects' Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of China. But Manila does not support Beijing's 'reunification' dreams or the Chinese Communist Party's desire to administer Taiwan.
Manila has no official diplomatic ties with Taipei, but it maintains the Manila Economic and Cultural Office to represent Philippine interests and ensure the welfare of Filipinos in Taiwan. Its counterpart is the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
Taiwan is also a side character in the latest chapter of chaos in bilateral ties between Manila and Beijing. Beijing has made a fuss over the Philippines' and Japan's forthcoming delimitation talks to settle overlaps in exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves east of Taiwan.
What Did Taiwan Say About the Delimitation Talks?
Taiwan, in response to the announcement of talks, said it wants to 'seek confirmation that the future negotiation process and outcomes of relevant agreements between the two countries will not affect the sovereign rights afforded to Taiwan in accordance with international law and the law of the sea.'
It also reminded Beijing that 'China has no right to comment on Taiwan's policies or position regarding the Japan-Philippines exclusive economic zone delimitation negotiations, much less speak on behalf of Taiwan.'
Taiwan also reminded both Japan and the Philippines to consider a 'high degree of overlap between the area to be negotiated by Japan and the Philippines and Taiwan's exclusive economic zone off its east coast.'
What Didn't Taiwan Do?
One thing is clear: Taiwan did not depict a close neighbor as a monkey. That kind of disrespect is something we can all do without.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Filipinos stay in Taiwan visa-free?
Filipinos with valid passports can stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days without a visa.
When does the visa-free privilege expire?
The privilege is extended until July 31, 2027.
Does the Philippines have diplomatic ties with Taiwan?
No, the Philippines has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It maintains the Manila Economic and Cultural Office to represent Philippine interests.
What was the China Daily video about?
The video depicted the Philippines and Filipinos as monkeys that merely follow the orders of powers like the United States and Japan. It has sparked widespread outrage.