Marcos on China-Taiwan conflict: We’ll get pulled in 'kicking and screaming'
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. doubled down on his earlier remarks on a possible conflict between Taiwan and China, saying it was time to face the facts: the Philippines will be pulled in "kicking and screaming."
Marcos drew Beijing’s ire after an interview with Indian media during his state visit, where he was asked about Taiwan. He said it would be impossible for the Philippines to stay out of a conflict if China annexed the island.
China responded by warning Marcos that he was “playing with fire.”
“I don’t know what they are talking about. Playing with fire? I was just stating facts,” Marcos said at a press briefing on Monday, August 11.
Reiterating that the Philippines does not want war, Marcos said the country could still be dragged into one.
“Hope. I love this saying, hope is not a plan. I hope it doesn't happen. I hope it doesn't. But if it does, we have to plan for it already,” he said.
China 'propaganda'
Marcos said his comments were being misconstrued by China for "propaganda."
The president made the remarks amid another water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea, where China shadowed Philippine vessels.
Marcos admitted that the increased activity in the disputed waters could be due to the narratives that China has spun around his comments on Taiwan, but stressed that the Philippines will not back down from a fight.
“Dito sa gobyernong ito, hindi tayo umaatras sa laban,” he said. (In this government, we do not back down from a fight.)
He added that Philippine vessels had no special orders other than to proceed as usual, saying crews were accustomed to such incidents.
In the earlier Indian media interview, Marcos was pressed on whether the Philippines would allow the United States to help defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Marcos declined to answer directly but said the country could not avoid involvement, citing its proximity to Taiwan and the presence of large number of Filipinos there.
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