ISTANBUL

Taiwan on Tuesday praised the Philippines for lifting a decades-old travel ban that had restricted its officials from visiting the island, calling the move a significant step toward deeper economic cooperation.

“We warmly welcome the positive move on the guidelines for official visits from the Philippines to Taiwan,” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X.

The change, announced Monday, allows Philippine officials to visit Taiwan for trade and investment purposes, according to the Daily Tribune.

“This important step strengthens economic ties with our 9th largest trade partner and paves the way for stronger bilateral relations and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific,” the ministry added.

The Philippines introduced a travel ban in 1987, under then-President Corazon Aquino, which broadly barred government officials from visiting Taiwan or hosting its delegations, the Philstar reported.

The move signaled Manila’s adherence to Beijing’s One China policy, which rejects recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign state, it added.

Under the updated guidelines, the restrictions remain in place for the president, vice president, foreign secretary, and defense secretary.