The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) does not confirm nor deny that Taiwan's Foreign Minister was in the Philippines for a trade meeting.

"Consistent with the Philippines’ One China Policy, no official from Taiwan is recognized as a member of the business delegation that recently visited the Philippines," the DFA said in a statement on Friday.

Reports said Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung led a business delegation to a trade event in the country this week.

Manila does not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

China objects to any foreign contact that appears to treat Taiwan as a sovereign government.

"In line with the One China Policy, which the Philippines has consistently upheld, the government of the Philippines does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state," DFA said, stressing "this policy is clear and unwavering."

The Philippines maintains a de-facto embassy in Taiwan, which is the Manila Economic and Cultural Office or MECO.

There are around 200,000 Filipinos, mostly working in factories, in Taiwan. DMS