Philippine President Marcos Warns Country Could Be Drawn Into Taiwan Conflict, Vows Firm Stance in South China Sea.

During his official visit to India in early August 2025, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines would inevitably be drawn into any war over Taiwan due to its close proximity and the presence of approximately 200,000 Filipino workers on the island. He emphasized the country’s commitment to never back down in defending its territorial rights amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, reaffirming a strong naval stance against encroachments.

Marcos’s remarks have drawn criticism from China, which accused the Philippines of interfering in its internal affairs. The President clarified his statements as a realistic security assessment aimed at protecting Filipino nationals and national sovereignty.

— Source: Associated Press (AP), Reuters