The Philippines warns of an inevitable Taiwan conflict and pledges to defend the South China Sea amid tensions with China
President Marcos promises a tough stance on the fighting at Scarborough Shoal and claims the Philippines would be dragged into the Taiwan dispute.
Despite China’s strong concerns, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned Monday that his nation would unavoidably be drawn “kicking and screaming” into any battle over Taiwan because of its close vicinity and the sizeable Filipino workforce on the island.
Following aggressive actions by Chinese coast guard ships near the Scarborough Shoal, Marcos emphasized at a news briefing that the Philippines’ coast guard, navy, and other boats will remain steadfast in defending the country’s territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea. In the continuing conflict over the vital atoll, Chinese ships engaged Philippine ships with water cannons and dangerous blocking techniques.
A long-running territorial dispute involving several claims, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, has recently escalated with this incident. Control of the South China Sea’s waters is extremely controversial because it is an essential global shipping route.
Since Marcos took office in 2022, the relationship between Beijing and Manila has drastically deteriorated. By strengthening military and diplomatic ties with the United States and expanding partnerships with Japan, Australia, India, and numerous European countries to offset Beijing’s influence, his administration has become a loud critic of China’s assertiveness in the area.
Marcos’ remarks regarding Taiwan were denounced by China last week, which accused him of breaking the “One China” principle and meddling in its internal affairs. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is its territory and has threatened to use force to impose its claim.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the Philippines to follow the One China policy and refrain from “playing with fire,” stating that the geographic proximity and presence of Filipinos in Taiwan should not be used as an excuse for interfering with Chinese sovereignty.
Marcos emphasized that he was only reporting the facts and described Beijing’s response as perplexing. The Philippines would be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan whether we want it or not, he stated, adding that “we do not want to go to war.” “We need to be ready for that possible outcome.”
In a separate statement, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela detailed the clashes that occurred Monday near Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese warships riskily obstructed and pursued Philippine fishing and coast guard vessels. A Chinese coast guard ship unintentionally struck a Chinese naval ship during the confrontation, seriously damaging it. Chinese officials have not yet responded to the Philippine Coast Guard’s offer of medical assistance to the Chinese side.
Marcos was adamant when asked if Philippine vessels would retreat. “There isn’t a magic bullet to fix our issues. He reiterated Manila’s unwavering position over the disputed waters by saying, “We will remain present, defend our territory, and exercise our sovereign rights despite any opposition.”
