A statement made by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to India has ignited a strong reaction from China. In response to a question in New Delhi, President Marcos indicated that the Philippines would stand with Taiwan in the event of a conflict, which has angered China. China has accused the Philippines of playing with fire.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Taiwan is an internal matter, and Manila’s remarks are seen as an attempt to worsen the situation, which will have consequences.
During an interview in New Delhi, Marcos stated that if the United States and China engage in a war over Taiwan, the Philippines would be compelled to join the conflict. Marcos emphasized that protecting their physical and geographical territories is a duty.
Marcos also accused China of pursuing an expansionist policy, including the encirclement of Taiwan and the continuous increase of its vessels in the South China Sea, calling these actions provocative.
The Philippines had not previously recognized Taiwan as a sovereign nation, but this stance has now shifted, escalating tensions with China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement on Friday, warning the Philippines to be cautious, as it is playing with fire.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also accused the Philippines of going back on its word, questioning why Manila would make provocative statements about Taiwan when it does not recognize it as a separate nation.
While many nations, including the United States and the Philippines, do not recognize Taiwan as a separate country, the United States does supply weapons to Taiwan’s acting government.
China has condemned Marcos’s statement as a violation of international laws, claiming it would harm regional peace, stability, and the fundamental interests of the people.
Both China and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal and other territories. China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled against China’s claims regarding the shoal, but China does not accept this ruling.
The international court also states that China has seized several disputed areas in the South China Sea that it has no right to. In 2024, tensions between the Philippines and China increased when Beijing deployed its naval fleet in the South China Sea.