The Japan Times revealed that the Philippines is quietly deepening its unofficial defense ties with Taiwan.
Due to the ongoing disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, as well as the Philippines' efforts to consolidate and strengthen the occupation of Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea, the Philippines will further challenge its commitment to the "One-China Policy," while using Taiwan to counterbalance China's influence in the South China Sea.
Philippine President Marcos publicly stated on August 7, 2025, in India that if a conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, the Philippines would "not be able to stay out of it" and claimed that it would "use all resources to evacuate Filipino citizens in Taiwan," this statement was seen as an important expression of its stance on Taiwan.
Marcos publicly declared in India that if a conflict broke out in the Taiwan Strait, the Philippines would intervene to protect its citizens and emphasized that there are a large number of Filipino residents in Taiwan, involving humanitarian issues. He further stated that the Philippines has a special geographical position and cannot avoid being drawn into the conflict.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded immediately, stating that the Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair, and no foreign government has the right to interfere. Marcos' move was seen as violating the spirit of the Sino-Philippine establishment of diplomatic relations and the previous commitment to the "One-China Policy." The Chinese Foreign Ministry clearly warned him "not to play with fire."
China responded with military action, on August 8, the People's Liberation Army deployed 57 sorties of aircraft and six warships to patrol the air and sea areas around the Taiwan Strait, among which 38 sorties of aircraft crossed the "middle line of the strait," clearly targeting "Taiwan independence" and external interference forces.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841562142284800/
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