Policy basis and one-China framework
- Executive Order No. 313 is anchored on the Joint Communique dated 9 June 1975 between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China.
- The order recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and confirms that there is but one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.
- The order states that official Philippine dealing with Taiwan would be contrary to the one-China policy and the agreement with the People’s Republic of China.
- The order affirms that people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Taiwan may continue through commercial, economic, cultural, and other unofficial contacts.
Treatment of unofficial contacts and private offices
- Executive Order No. 313 recognizes that people-to-people contacts may be facilitated by private offices: the Philippines’ Asian Exchange Center, Inc. in Taipei and Taiwan’s Pacific Economic and Cultural Center in Manila.
- The order states that operations of those offices are tolerated by the People’s Republic of China only if they maintain a non-governmental image.
- The order requires those private offices to not be accorded diplomatic or formal consular status.
- The order explains that even private visits by high-ranking Philippine government officials may be perceived as official because they are treated as representatives of the Philippine Government.
Core prohibitions and restrictions
- Executive Order No. 313 prohibits any official of the Philippine government from visiting Taiwan.
- Executive Order No. 313 prohibits any official of the Philippine government from receiving Taiwanese officials who are visiting the Philippines.
- Executive Order No. 313 prohibits any official activity relating to Taiwan from being carried out without clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- Executive Order No. 313 establishes that official visits and Taiwanese calls are perceived as violations of the one-China policy and the terms of the Joint Communique.
Department of Foreign Affairs clearance rule
- Executive Order No. 313 requires clearance of the Department of Foreign Affairs for any official activity relating to Taiwan.
- The order ties the clearance requirement to ensuring compliance with the one-China policy and the Joint Communique.
- The order’s operative restraint applies to official activities, including those that would be treated as official due to the public character of the engagement by government officials.
Transmittal and formal issuance
- The order was signed by CORAZON C. AQUINO, and attested by CATALINO MACARAIG, JR., Executive Secretary.
- The issuance directs compliance by Philippine government officials regarding Taiwan.
- The operative commands take effect immediately upon issuance.