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Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intensified his country’s long-standing maritime dispute with China on Thursday, declaring that the Philippines would not “cede one square inch” of territory claimed by Beijing.
Marcos also stated that the Philippines would inevitably be involved in any potential war over Taiwan, a move that prompted strong warnings from Chinese officials, who accused the U.S. ally of “playing with fire.”
Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment but did not receive one.
### Why It Matters
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Marcos’s remarks came during his four-day state visit to India—the first since he took office three years ago. He and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced they would elevate their ties to a strategic partnership, with plans to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including security.
Both countries are locked in territorial disputes with China: India over the mountainous border in the Himalayas, and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the busy waterway, where Chinese coast guard vessels have encroached into Manila’s exclusive economic zone—often leading to clashes.
### Territorial Disputes
“Let me say it again: the Philippines will not cede one square inch of our territory. We will not give up the exercise of our sovereign rights,” Marcos told Firstpost.
Asked about additional arms purchases from India, President Marcos replied: “Everything’s on the table.” He explained that the Philippines is undergoing a $35 billion military modernization campaign, making it more interoperable with its allies, primarily the United States. Defense cooperation with key partners such as India was also crucial.
On Monday, Indian navy ships participated in their first-ever joint exercise with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Marcos said: “The Philippines is not against anyone; tensions have increased.”
### War Over Taiwan
“If there is a confrontation over Taiwan between China and the United States, the Philippines cannot stay out of it due to its geographic location,” Marcos said. “If there is an all-out war, we will be drawn into it. We will have to defend our territory and sovereignty.”
The greatest concern would be for about 160,000 Filipino migrant workers currently living in Taiwan. Marcos added: “We will have to get involved or find a way to bring them home.”
### China’s Response
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the Philippines has been making “wrong and provocative remarks” and is hollowing out the one-China principle, harming relations.
China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with the Philippine side.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
What is the main point of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement regarding the Philippines' maritime dispute with China?
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