Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos expressed concerns that his country may be involuntarily drawn into a potential conflict over Taiwan due to its geographic proximity to China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. He emphasized the need for the Philippines to prepare for such an eventuality, given the significant number of Filipinos working in Taiwan. Marcos’ remarks triggered a diplomatic protest from Beijing, accusing him of escalating tensions. His administration has been strengthening ties with the United States, highlighting a shift in defense cooperation, particularly in light of increasing confrontations in the South China Sea and the broader geopolitical landscape.