The tension in the Taiwan Strait is escalating, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stating in an interview with Indian media that the Philippines “cannot stay out” if conflict erupts between China and Taiwan. He emphasized the need to establish alliances to address the threats in the Indian Ocean-Pacific region.
Marcos arrived in India on the 4th for a 5-day visit. During an interview with India’s “Firstpost,” he stressed the urgent need to forge strategic partnerships with like-minded countries such as India to ensure regional security.
“If a full-scale war breaks out, we will inevitably be involved. We will have to enter Taiwan and bring our people back home,” Marcos said, mentioning there are a large number of Filipinos in Taiwan.
When asked whether the Philippines would allow the United States to use Philippine military bases in the event of a sudden situation in Taiwan, Marcos responded, “Why would we refuse partners facing the threat of China? We are not a puppet state. Defending our country is our duty.”
Even without directly mentioning China, Marcos also emphasized the importance of establishing a global alliance that respects international law and opposes unilateral border changes. “No country can defend principles alone. We need an alliance,” he said.
Regarding the concept of an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO,” Marcos said that the existing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) might not be sufficient to address all regional challenges.
“A single country cannot solve global challenges alone,” Marcos stated, expressing the Philippines’ support for India’s increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Translated from Central News Agency.