Philippines president Ferdinard Marcos Jr, delivers his state of the Nation address to the house of representatives in Quizon city, Philippines, July 28, 2025.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has warned that his country cannot avoid being drawn into a war over Taiwan.
Speaking on Monday, he said geography and the presence of many Filipino workers on the island make involvement unavoidable.
Marcos stressed that the Philippines would be pulled in “kicking and screaming” if conflict erupted.
Taiwan’s Proximity Poses Risk for the Philippines
Marcos explained that Taiwan is too close for the Philippines to ignore any crisis there.
Nearly 200,000 Filipinos live and work on the self-ruled island.
If war breaks out, he said, their safety and evacuation will become a priority.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to take it, by force if needed.
China Protests Marcos’ Statement
Beijing strongly objected to Marcos’ remarks.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the Philippines of interfering in its internal affairs.
It urged Manila to stick to the “One China” policy and avoid “playing with fire.”
China insisted that location and overseas workers should not justify involvement in Taiwan’s affairs.
Marcos Responds to Beijing’s Concerns
Marcos expressed surprise at China’s protest.
“I was just stating facts,” he told reporters.
He reiterated that Manila does not want war but must prepare for any possibility.
“If it happens, we will be dragged into that mess, whether we like it or not,” he said.
South China Sea Tensions Escalate
On the same day, tensions flared in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese ships of dangerous maneuvers at Scarborough Shoal.
Commodore Jay Tarriela said Chinese coast guard vessels blocked Philippine ships and fired a water cannon.
The shoal is a prime fishing area and a flashpoint in the maritime dispute.
Chinese Ships Collide During Chase
While chasing a Philippine vessel, a Chinese coast guard ship collided with a Chinese navy ship.
The coast guard ship sustained significant damage.
Philippine authorities even offered medical aid to the Chinese crew.
No comment has yet been issued by Beijing on the incident.
Disputed Waters Remain a Hotspot
The South China Sea is a key global trade route with overlapping territorial claims.
Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also claim parts of it.
Under Marcos, Manila has been more vocal in challenging China’s assertiveness.
He has strengthened alliances with the United States, Japan, Australia, India, and some EU nations.
Standing Firm on Sovereignty
Asked whether Philippine vessels would withdraw from the disputed shoal, Marcos was clear.
His government, he said, will never back down from defending the country’s territory.
“We will continue to be present and defend our sovereign rights,” he declared.
He added that there is no single solution to the dispute.
Instead, the Philippines will maintain its presence despite opposition.
Alliance Building to Counter Aggression
Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has deepened the Philippines’ treaty commitments with the U.S.
Manila has also broadened security cooperation with other Asian and Western countries.
The aim is to strengthen deterrence against Beijing’s maritime activities.
This approach has strained relations between Manila and Beijing even further.
Preparing for Possible Conflict
Marcos emphasized the need for contingency planning.
He said the Philippines must be ready for emergencies affecting Taiwan and the South China Sea.
While hoping conflict will never happen, he warned that reality may leave the country no choice.
