Philippine Defense Chief Seeks Closer Ties with Taiwan; MOFA Welcomes Cooperation for Indo-Pacific Peace

CNA Taipei, June 1. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed his intention to seek closer relations with Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed high appreciation for this stance today, emphasizing its willingness to work with the Philippines and like-minded nations to promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. According to Bloomberg, Teodoro stated in an interview that the Philippines is deepening military ties with a broad network of allies and partners, including Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan, as part of a 'convergent cooperation' based on shared goals. MOFA issued a press release stating it sincerely welcomes the remarks. Under President Lai Ching-te's diplomatic strategy, Taiwan and the Philippines continue to deepen their substantive partnership, including the promotion of the 'Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor' to strengthen supply chain resilience. MOFA also welcomed supply chain cooperation under the U.S.-Philippines 'Silicon Prosperity Initiative' and looks forward to becoming comprehensive partners in economy, security, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.