Taiwan Helps Cebu Earthquake Victims with $200,000 Donation
Taiwan has reached out to the Philippines by donating US$200,000 (around ₱11.8 million) to help the victims of the recent Cebu earthquake, while also expressing concern over China’s increasing “gray zone tactics” in the region.
The announcement was made by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow during Taiwan’s 114th National Day celebration in Manila. Chow said the donation will be sent through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to the Cebu provincial government, followed by more relief goods. He explained that this act shows Taiwan’s care and support for Filipinos affected by the disaster and reflects the strong friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Taiwan celebrates its National Day every October 10, marking the 1911 uprising that led to the Xinhai Revolution and later to the founding of the Republic of China (ROC), now known as Taiwan.
During the event, Chow also talked about China’s growing use of gray zone tactics—non-military actions meant to pressure or influence other countries without going into open conflict. He explained that these include spreading false information online, twisting historical facts, interfering in elections, and using economic pressure, all of which threaten democratic countries like Taiwan and the Philippines.
Chow noted that China has become more aggressive in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and West Philippine Sea in recent years. He warned that the Chinese Communist Party uses these subtle tactics to influence and infiltrate democratic nations.
He also criticized China’s continued attempts to deny Taiwan’s independence and prevent it from joining international groups like the United Nations. Chow said Taiwan is a free and democratic country with its own government, military, and constitution, and that China’s actions aim to erase that truth.
While China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and pushes for eventual reunification, Taiwan firmly says it is independent and self-governing.
As of this writing, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has not commented on TECO’s statements. The Philippine government continues to follow its One China Policy, recognizing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the only legal government of China, while keeping informal and economic relations with Taiwan through MECO and TECO.
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