President Marcos says Philippines will be drawn into Taiwan conflict, vows firm stance over Scarborough Shoal clashes
President Marcos says Philippines will be drawn into Taiwan conflict, vows firm stance over Scarborough Shoal clashes
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned Monday that his country would be inevitably pulled “kicking and screaming” into any conflict over Taiwan due to its close proximity and the large Filipino workforce on the island, despite strong objections from China.
At a press briefing, Marcos stressed that the Philippines’ coast guard, navy, and other vessels would stand firm in protecting the nation’s territorial claims in the contested South China Sea, following aggressive maneuvers by Chinese coast guard ships near the Scarborough Shoal. Chinese vessels used water cannons and risky blocking tactics against Philippine ships in the ongoing dispute over the strategic atoll.
The incident marks the latest escalation in a long-standing territorial conflict involving multiple claimants including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The South China Sea is a vital global shipping route, making control over its waters highly contentious.
Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated sharply since Marcos assumed office in 2022. His administration has emerged as a vocal critic of China’s assertiveness in the region, deepening military and diplomatic ties with the United States and broadening alliances with Japan, Australia, India, and several European nations to counterbalance Beijing’s influence.
China had condemned Marcos last week for his comments about Taiwan, accusing him of interfering in its internal affairs and violating the “One China” principle. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly threatened military action to enforce its claim.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the presence of Filipinos in Taiwan and geographic proximity should not justify meddling in China’s sovereignty, urging the Philippines to adhere to the One China policy and avoid “playing with fire.”
Marcos dismissed Beijing’s reaction as puzzling, emphasising he was merely stating facts. “We do not want to go to war, but if a war over Taiwan occurs, the Philippines will be dragged into it whether we want to or not,” he said. “We have to prepare for that possibility.”
Separately, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela described Monday’s confrontations near Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese ships dangerously blocked and chased Philippine coast guard and fishing vessels. During the encounter, a Chinese coast guard ship accidentally collided with a Chinese navy vessel, sustaining significant damage. The Philippine coast guard offered medical aid to the Chinese side, but Chinese officials have not yet commented.
When asked whether Philippine vessels would retreat, Marcos was resolute. “There is no silver bullet to solve our problems. We will remain present, defend our territory, and exercise our sovereign rights despite any opposition,” he said, reaffirming Manila’s firm stance over the disputed waters.
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