Taiwan conveys 'deep respect' for Marcos over remarks that angered China

MANILA, Philippines — Taiwan has thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for acknowledging the Philippines cannot "stay on the sidelines" of a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait — a statement that comes after China warned Marcos his remarks were "playing with fire." 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei said it "extends deep appreciation and respect" to Marcos for emphasizing the need for peace in the Taiwan Strait in an interview with Indian media during his state visit there.

"As President Marcos has repeatedly emphasized, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are a priority, while regional peace, security, and stability are relevant to all nations," the statement released August 7 read. 

"MOFA extends deep appreciation and respect to President Marcos for once again stressing the importance of regional peace and showing a deep regard for humanitarian values," it added. 

Taiwan specifically praised Marcos for expressing "strong concern for the safety of the large number of Philippine nationals living and working in Taiwan."

This comes after Marcos' August 6 interview with Indian media outlet Firstpost, where he said it would be "impossible for the Philippines to stay on the sidelines" if conflict erupted across the Taiwan Strait.

Marcos made it clear the Philippines' primary concern would be evacuating around 150,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan, calling any potential conflict over the self-ruled island "a humanitarian problem." 

The president's remarks did not sit well with China's Foreign Ministry, which fired back August 8 by warning Manila not to "play with fire" and telling the Philippines that "geographical proximity and overseas populations are not excuses to interfere" with other countries' internal affairs. 

Marcos, however, clarified that his remarks were "just stating facts" about the Philippines' evacuation plans for OFWs and were not alluding to possible military engagement if a war does break out. He said China was misinterpreting his words "for propaganda purposes."

Taiwan pledged to coordinate with Manila on ensuring the safety of Philippine nationals and to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

"It will also strive to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in such areas as security, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and ensuring the welfare of the overseas Taiwanese community," Taiwan's foreign affairs ministry said.

The Philippines sits just 200 kilometers from Taiwan's southern tip, making it Taiwan's closest neighbor and leaving it geographically unable to avoid involvement in any cross-strait conflict.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

The Philippines officially only recognizes one China — the People's Republic of China or Beijing — while still maintaining unofficial economic and cultural ties with Taipei.

In January 2024, Marcos posted on social media a congratulatory message to Taiwan’s newly elected president-elect, Lai Ching-te. This prompted a stern response from Beijing, which summoned the Philippine ambassador there and accused Manila of violating the one-China principle.