Despite its unofficial status, the Philippines’ relationship with Taiwan is a significant feature of Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape. Robust trade, migration, and investment ties between the two archipelagoes underscore one of the strongest economic relationships in the region. Both nations also increasingly view the stability of each other’s surrounding waters—under mounting pressure from China—as critical to their own national security. Yet, as Manila seeks to deepen its ties with Taipei, it must perform a delicate balancing act. Any overt strengthening of relations risks provoking Beijing and jeopardizing the Philippines’ vital political and economic ties with China. This commentary series examines the Philippines’ relationships with both Taiwan and China and assesses how Manila is positioning itself relative to both countries amid the growing likelihood of a cross-strait crisis.