Taiwan-US Business Delegation Visits Philippines Amid China Tensions

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung led a high-level delegation of Taiwanese and American investors to the Philippines, marking a rare and unofficial visit amidst rising tensions with China. The delegation focused on expanding economic ties in sectors such as semiconductors, agriculture, new energy, and logistics, aiming to strengthen the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor and promote 'non-red' supply chains excluding China. While Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the business delegation's visit, they declined to explicitly confirm Lin's participation, leading to speculation and concern in both countries. Philippine officials have neither fully confirmed nor denied Lin's presence, with Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro refusing to comment on his involvement, citing diplomatic sensitivities. The visit follows a May memorandum of understanding between Taiwanese and U.S. business councils to deepen cooperation in third markets and comes after Manila eased restrictions on official exchanges with Taiwan, which has provoked warnings from China to the Philippines not to 'play with fire.' This diplomatic maneuvering reflects broader regional tensions over sovereignty and influence in the South China Sea.