US Ally Throws Down Gauntlet at China

[ad_1] Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. doubled down in his nation's long-running maritime dispute with China on Thursday, vowing to not "cede one sq. inch" of territory claimed by Beijing.

Marcos additionally stated the Philippines would inevitably be concerned in a possible struggle over Taiwan, prompting Beijing to warn the U.S. ally in opposition to "taking part in with fireplace."

Newsweek reached out to the Chinese language Overseas Ministry by e-mail with a request for remark.

Why It Issues Marcos's remarks, given to the Indian information web site Firstpost, got here throughout a four-day state go to to India—his first since taking workplace three years in the past. Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced they had been elevating ties to the extent of a strategic partnership and would strengthen cooperation in a variety of areas, together with safety.

Each international locations are locked in territorial disputes with China: India over the mountainous border within the Himalayas, and the Philippines within the South China Sea.

Beijing claims sovereignty over a lot of the busy waterway, the place Chinese language coast guard vessels, analysis ships, and paramilitary forces have encroached into Manila's unique financial zone—generally leading to clashes.

Territorial Disputes "Let me say it once more, the Philippines is not going to cede one sq. inch of our territory. We is not going to quit the train of our sovereign rights. Ever," Marcos advised Firstpost.

Requested whether or not the Philippines, which final 12 months turned the primary nation to buy India's BrahMos cruise missiles, was eyeing further arms purchases from New Delhi, the president replied: "The whole lot's on the desk."

"The Philippines is within the midst of a modernizationof our navy…So we want to see what's probably the most appropriate for our protection wants," Marcos stated. "Let me be clear although: we aren't girding up for struggle. We're merely reacting to the challenges that we face."

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, proper, listens to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the course of the ceremonial reception at India's presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on August 5, 2025. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, proper, listens to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the course of the ceremonial reception at India's presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on August 5, 2025. Sajjad Hussain/Getty Photos The Philippines is within the midst of a $35 billion navy modernization marketing campaign. Marcos stated the upgraded gear makes the nation extra interoperable with its allies, mainly america.

As vital as weapons procurement, he added, was protection cooperation with key companions which have a stake within the Indo-Pacific—companions comparable to India. On Monday, on the primary day of his go to, ships of the Indian navy joined their first-ever joint train with the Philippines within the South China Sea, inside the Southeast Asian nation's maritime zone.

Marcos stated the Philippines is "not in opposition to anybody." Nonetheless, he stated tensions "have elevated."

Including to regional tensions is China's declare to Taiwan. Beijing has not dominated out using pressure to carry the self-ruled democracy underneath its management, elevating fears of a battle that might draw within the U.S. and allied militaries.

The Philippines' northernmost province of Batanes lies about 100 miles from the southern tip of Taiwan. The nation additionally hosts U.S. troops and weapons methods at a number of shared bases, which might doubtless come into play in any regional battle.

Conflict Over Taiwan "If there's a confrontation over Taiwan between China and america, there isn't any method that the Philippines can keep out of it, merely due to our bodily geographic location," Marcos stated.

"If there may be all-out struggle, then we will likely be drawn into it, and I guarantee you with the best hesitation. However we should defend our territory and our sovereignty," he added.

The "most appreciable concern" on the outbreak of struggle could be the roughly 160,000 Filipino migrant staff at the moment dwelling in Taiwan, Marcos stated. "That might be instantly a humanitarian downside, as a result of we should become involved…or discover a strategy to go in there and to carry our folks residence."

China Hits Again The Chinese language Overseas Ministry stated in a public assertion: "The Philippines…has saved making unsuitable and provocative remarks and actions, saved fudging and hollowing out the one-China precept, and saved harming the China-Philippines relations."

"China firmly opposes this. The Chinese language Overseas Ministry and embassy within the Philippines have lodged critical protests with the Philippine aspect."