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‘Pulled in kicking and screaming’: Why the Philippines can’t sit out a Taiwan conflict
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr relaxed a 38-year-old restriction on government officials’ contact with their Taiwanese counterparts in April.
PHOTO: AFP
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- President Marcos acknowledges the Philippines' potential involvement in a conflict over Taiwan, given the South-east Asian country's geography, alliances and interests, saying "we will be pulled in whether we like it or not".
- The Philippines is strengthening ties with Taiwan, including relaxed restrictions and carrying out coast guard patrols, driven by strategic necessity amid China's growing influence.
- Analysts warn of risks such as potential isolation within the region and uncertainty regarding US support, despite the Mutual Defence Treaty and the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.
AI generated
MANILA – Recent remarks by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that the Philippines would inevitably be dragged “kicking and screaming” into a conflict over Taiwan may have unsettled Beijing, but they were also a rare moment of candour.
Analysts say geography, alliances and security interests mean neutrality over Taiwan is an illusion for Manila, which, as Mr Marcos said, would inevitably be drawn into a conflict involving Taiwan should one erupt.
