The Philippines said it remains committed to its One-China Policy following the recently concluded elections in Taiwan.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it reaffirms the principles contained in the Joint Communique of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the People’s Republic of China signed by the late former president Ferdinand Marcos and Premier Zhou Enlai on June 9, 1975.

“The Philippines is committed to its One-China Policy,” it said.

“The Joint Communique states that ‘the two Governments agree to settle all disputes by peaceful means… without resorting to the use or threat of force,’” it added.

Taiwan recently held its general elections, with the sitting vice president, William Lai Ching-te, winning the polls.

Lai, who is from the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won despite reported warnings from China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory, not to vote for him.

Lai was running against Hou Yu-ih from the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).