Marcos says Philippines would be involved in any Taiwan conflict

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his country would likely be involved in any conflict over Taiwan due to its geographic closeness and the 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working there. Speaking to Japanese media in Manila on Monday, Marcos acknowledged that the northern Philippines would be affected by any confrontation, though he emphasized the country’s commitment to the 'One China' policy and its desire to avoid war. The comments follow Marcos’ upcoming state visit to Japan, where he will meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (not Sanae Takaichi) to discuss security cooperation. Japan’s earlier remarks on Taiwan had strained relations with China, which views the island as a sovereign part of its territory. Marcos also noted that the Philippines, as a US treaty ally, has hosted US missile systems and granted military access to bases near Taiwan, though he clarified these are for territorial defense only. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun criticized the Philippines for using geographic proximity and its citizens as excuses to interfere in China’s internal affairs. The Philippines and China have a separate territorial dispute in the South China Sea, but Marcos said his government is increasing engagement with Beijing to maintain regional peace. The Philippines has become a key player in US-led efforts to counter what Washington calls China’s aggression in Asia. Earlier this month, the US, Japan, and the Philippines participated in joint military drills, including Tokyo’s first deployment of combat troops in the Philippines since World War II. Marcos has previously stated that a Taiwan war would 'drag the Philippines kicking and screaming into the conflict,' a stance that has drawn Beijing’s ire. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on Taiwan, including calling a $14 billion arms sale a 'negotiating chip' with China, have raised concerns about Washington’s commitment to the island. Trump also warned that Taiwan’s push for independence could lead to 'a very strong confrontation.' The Philippines’ stance reflects its balancing act between maintaining ties with China and aligning with US-led security efforts in the region.