Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines would likely be drawn into any conflict over Taiwan because of its close proximity and the nearly 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working there. "In the Philippines, we do not have a choice because Taiwan is so close to the Philippines and we have almost 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Taiwan," Marcos told Japanese media in an interview on May 18 [1].
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines does not want to get involved in a Taiwan war but geography would force its participation. He said, "I think in Japan’s case, it is more a matter of choice to be involved (in any potential conflict over Taiwan). In the Philippines, we do not have a choice because Taiwan is so close to the Philippines, and we have almost 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Taiwan" [2].
He noted both the Philippines and Japan face coercive actions from China in disputed maritime areas, underscoring regional security tensions. The Philippines is trying to maintain peace through increased engagement with China despite ongoing disputes in the South China Sea [1].
President Marcos is scheduled for a state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29. He will meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss defense and security cooperation, including Japan’s evolving defense posture and the Taiwan issue [1, 2].
The comments follow a May summit in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US officials against mishandling the Taiwan issue, saying it could lead to clashes. Marcos had earlier stirred controversy by saying a war over Taiwan would drag the Philippines into conflict "kicking and screaming," angering Beijing in 2025 [1].
Top diplomats from the Philippines and China are expected to meet within a month from May 18 to raise engagement and help maintain peace between the two countries [1].
Marcos’s upcoming talks with Japan’s prime minister will focus on security cooperation amid rising regional tensions linked to Taiwan and Chinese maritime claims.