Tensions rise as China issues Philippines warning over Taiwan

China has warned the Philippines that it is “playing with fire” following recent remarks by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who indicated that the nation may be drawn into a conflict between China and the United States if tensions escalate over Taiwan, according to Arab News via Reuters on August 8th.

The warning came in response to comments made by Marcos during his official visit to India. He emphasised the Philippines’ proximity to Taiwan and the large Filipino population there as key reasons why remaining neutral in a potential conflict would be difficult.

China’s Foreign Ministry rejected these justifications, stating that “‘geographical proximity’ and ‘large overseas populations’ are not excuses for a country to interfere in the internal affairs of others.” 

China further urged the Philippines to “earnestly adhere to the one-China principle … and refrain from playing with fire on issues concerning China’s core interests.”

The comments come amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, a strategically vital waterway. 

Both sides have traded allegations of hostile conduct and breaches of sovereignty, prompting the United States to reaffirm its defence pact with the Philippines.

The ASEAN summit held in July had already highlighted the simmering tensions between the U.S. and China, with Taiwan emerging as a particularly contentious issue in bilateral discussions.

Beijing continues to assert that Taiwan—a democratic and self-governing island—is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, a claim firmly rejected by Taiwan.

In recent months, Taiwan has witnessed a surge in movements opposing pro-China influence, underscoring a growing resistance to Beijing’s attempts to exert control over the island’s political and cultural identity.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has not yet issued a statement in response.

In a recent interview, Marcos remarked, “If there is an all-out war, then we will be drawn into it,” citing the potential humanitarian crisis involving Filipino nationals in Taiwan. “There are many, many Filipino nationals in Taiwan and that would be immediately a humanitarian problem. We will have to go in there, find a way to go in there, and find a way to bring our people home.”

China condemned these comments, arguing they “not only violate international law and the ASEAN charter, but also undermine regional peace and stability and the fundamental interests of (the Philippines’) own people.”

Arab News via Reuters, Maghrebi.org