The Philippines' banning of Taiwanese tourists is yet another move to cozy up to China.

The News Lens
Date: 2020/02/13
By: Jeremy Van der Haegen

To curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the Philippines barred entry of foreigners who have visited China, Hong Kong, and Macau in the last 14 days. But the travel ban was abruptly expanded to include Taiwan as part of its One China Policy on February 10, leaving hundreds of Taiwanese travelers stranded. 

The move seems to be part of a bigger geopolitical picture where the Rodrigo Duterte administration is cozying up to China while diminishing its ties with the United States.

Despite Taiwan’s completely separate governance and healthcare system, the World Health Organization has included Taiwan as part of China in its risk assessment. Vietnam and Italy previously issued similar travel restrictions on Taiwanese tourists after observing the WHO guidelines. 

Yet the Philippines did not mention that it was following the WHO guidelines in its clarification on the travel ban. The Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board merely stated it will “include Taiwan under the One China Policy."     [FULL  STORY]