Conflict between the functions performed by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the one-China policy

• Main Authors: Corpuz, Varna Elena A., Rapada, Pauline Angela M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2013
• Subjects: Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Philippines); Philippines > Relations > China; China > Relations > Philippines; Philippines > Relations > Taiwan; Taiwan > Relations > Philippines; International Law; Law
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/5443
• Institution: De La Salle University

The Philippines adhered to the One China Policy and agreed to its preconditions. This agreement obliged the Philippines to sever its diplomatic ties and to maintain only its economic, social and cultural relations Taiwan, thus, MECO was established to maintain such relations. However, it provides visa and consular activities. Even if China remains passive as of the moment, it is capable of putting the Philippines at a great disadvantage through the usage of its massive weaponry and the absolute severance of its diplomatic and economic ties with the latter. In addition, China may also demand that Hong Kong and Taiwan to sever its relations with the Philippines, causing a tremendous loss in the Philippine economy, such as the decrease of the country's GDP and the termination of the OFWs working in the said territories. To combat such foreseeable predicament should the Philippines continue to violate the One-China Policy, this paper aims to determine whether or not providing visa, legal and consular services to OFWs is in accordance with the One-China Policy and to provide a feasible solution to such conflict.