MANILA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday that the Philippines would inevitably be pulled “kicking and screaming” into any war over Taiwan due to its proximity to the self-ruled island and the large number of Filipino workers there, despite China’s strong protest over his remarks.
Speaking at a news conference, Marcos also asserted that the Philippine Coast Guard, navy, and other vessels defending the country’s territorial interests in the South China Sea would not back down in the face of Chinese aggression. His statement came after the Chinese coast guard on Monday staged dangerous blocking maneuvers and used a powerful water cannon to drive away Philippine vessels from the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
The incident marked the latest escalation in long-standing territorial disputes in the strategic waterway, which is a vital global trade route. The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all claim parts of the South China Sea.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have grown since Marcos took office in mid-2022, with his administration emerging as one of Asia’s most vocal critics of China’s actions in the disputed waters. The Philippines has also deepened security ties with the United States and strengthened alliances with other nations, including Japan, Australia, India, and some EU member states.
China protested last week after Marcos told reporters during a visit to India that the Philippines could not stay out of a potential Taiwan conflict because of its location and the presence of about 200,000 Filipino workers on the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to annex it, by force if necessary.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Marcos of interfering in China’s internal affairs and urged the Philippines to adhere to the “One China” policy. Responding to the protest, Marcos said he could not understand Beijing’s reaction.
“I was just stating facts. We do not want to go to war, but if there is a war over Taiwan, we will be drawn into it whether we like it or not,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t happen, but we have to plan for it already.”
Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said that during Monday’s confrontation at Scarborough Shoal, Chinese coast guard ships chased and blocked Philippine vessels. A Chinese coast guard ship collided with a Chinese navy ship during the incident, sustaining “substantial damage,” Tarriela said, adding that the Philippine side offered assistance.
Asked if Philippine vessels would withdraw from the shoal, Marcos was firm: “We will continue to be present, defend our territory, and exercise our sovereign rights despite any opposition.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
