President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is keeping his distance from the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, saying the Philippines would rather stay out of the conflict while sticking to its One China Policy.
In an interview with Japanese media, Marcos Jr. said Manila is worried about the situation, especially with around 200,000 Filipinos working and living in Taiwan.
He pointed out that unlike Japan, the Philippines doesn’t really have a “choice” on the matter because of its proximity to Taiwan.
“We do not want to be involved in any war… we want to avoid any hostilities around Taiwan,” Marcos Jr. said.
He added the government has long maintained the One China Policy and prefers dialogue over confrontation.
The President also warned that if tensions get worse, even northern Philippines could feel the effects.
While the country has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it continues unofficial relations through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.IMT
