Overview

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country would be pulled “kicking and screaming” into any conflict over Taiwan because of its proximity and large Filipino population on the island.
• China’s foreign ministry lodged a diplomatic protest accusing Marcos of “playing with fire,” while Manila insisted his remarks were factual and had been misinterpreted for propaganda purposes.
• Philippine coast guard officials reported that Chinese vessels chased and blocked Filipino ships, used water cannon against them, and witnessed a collision between a Chinese coast guard ship and a PLA navy vessel.
• Marcos reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to defend its territorial claims in the South China Sea and will not withdraw its vessels from disputed waters.
• The government is planning evacuation contingencies for Filipinos in Taiwan and has deepened security partnerships with the United States and other allies to deter further Chinese assertiveness.