China accused the Philippines on Friday (August 8, 2025) of “playing with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated the Southeast Asian nation could be drawn into any battle between China and the United States over Taiwan.
It was responding to remarks by Mr. Marcos throughout a state go to to India that the Philippines’ closeness to Taiwan and the big Filipino group there would make involvement vital in such a battle.
“’Geographical proximity’ and ‘large overseas populations’ are not excuses for a country to interfere in the internal affairs of others,” China’s overseas ministry stated in an announcement. “We urge the Philippines to earnestly adhere to the one-China principle … and refrain from playing with fire on issues concerning China’s core interests,” it stated.
Mr. Marcos’ remarks got here amid heightened stress between Beijing and Manila over territorial disputes within the busy waterway of the South China Sea.
Both international locations have traded accusations of aggressive manoeuvres and sovereignty violations there, prompting the United States to reaffirm its dedication to defend the Philippines.
Beijing views democratically ruled Taiwan as its territory, a declare Taipei rejects. The Philippine embassy in Beijing didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
On Wednesday (August 6, 2025), Mr. Marcos instructed Indian media outlet Firstpost, “If there is an all-out war, then we will be drawn into it.” “There are many, many Filipino nationals in Taiwan, and that would be immediately a humanitarian problem,” he added. “We will have to go in there, find a way to go in there, and find a way to bring our people home.”
China stated such arguments “not only violate international law and the ASEAN charter but also undermine regional peace and stability and the fundamental interests of (the Philippines’) own people.”
