Philippines Open to Discuss Safety of Filipinos in Taiwan With China, Foreign Minister Says

Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa P. Lazaro, speaks during an interview with Reuters, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11, 2025. Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters

MANILA—Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro on Thursday said she was open to discussions with China about possible ways to ensure the safety of Filipinos living in Taiwan, amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking at a Senate hearing, Lazaro was asked whether the Philippines could seek Beijing’s help in evacuating close to 200,000 Filipinos living in Taiwan if conflict breaks out.