China has strongly reacted to a statement made by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to India. The controversy stems from Marcos’s response to a question in New Delhi, where he affirmed that the Philippines would side with Taiwan in the event of a war, leading to strong criticism from China.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated that Taiwan is a domestic issue and that Manila’s statements are viewed as actions to worsen the situation. These will have repercussions.
During an interview in New Delhi, Marcos said that if the United States and China were to engage in a war over Taiwan, the Philippines would be forced to participate. Marcos emphasized the importance of protecting their physical and geographical territories.
Marcos also indicated that China is pursuing an expansionist policy, including the encirclement of Taiwan and the increasing number of its vessels in the South China Sea, which he deemed provocative.
The Philippines had not previously recognized Taiwan as a sovereign nation, but its stance has changed, which has increased tension with China. On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement warning the Philippines that it is playing with fire.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also accused the Philippines of not keeping its word, questioning why it would make provocative statements about Taiwan when it does not recognize it as a separate nation.
It is important to note that the United States and many other nations, like the Philippines, do not recognize Taiwan as a separate country, although the United States does provide arms to Taiwan’s acting government.
China has stated that Marcos’s remarks violated international laws and would affect regional peace, stability, and the basic interests of the people.
China and the Philippines have ongoing disputes regarding the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal and other external areas. China occupied the Scarborough Shoal in 2012. In 2016, an international court ruled against China’s claim, but China does not acknowledge this.
The international court also stated that China has occupied multiple disputed areas in the South China Sea that it has no claim to. In 2024, tensions between the Philippines and China increased when Beijing deployed its naval fleet in the South China Sea.