TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te on his victory in a social media post on Monday (Jan. 15), deemed an uncommon gesture.
The Philippines has adhered to the "One-China policy" since severing ties with Taiwan in 1975, making Marcos Jr.'s congratulatory message rare.
"On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan's next president," said Marcos Jr. in his post on the social platform X.
Notably, it was the first time he had used the term "Taiwan's president" in his messages since taking office.
Marcos Jr. also expressed hope for stronger ties with Taiwan in the coming years, stating, "We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead."