INTERVIEW: Philippine Pres. Marcos Worried over Possible Taiwan Crisis

Manila, May 18 (Jiji Press)–Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced concern that the country could be involved in a possible contingency over Taiwan, in an interview with media organizations including Jiji Press on Monday. “I think in Japan’s case, it’s more about a choice to be involved” if a contingency occurs over Taiwan,” Marcos said. “In the Philippines, we do not have a choice (not to be involved) because Taiwan is so close to the Philippines and we have almost 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Taiwan,” he said, adding that his country is asking Taiwan to seek a peaceful solution to the cross-strait issue. The interview took place at the Malacanang Palace in Manila ahead of the president’s visit to Japan next week for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other events. Marcos said that the Philippines “has, from the very start, always held a one-China policy” and “will continue to do that.” The Philippines will not intervene in the Taiwan issue, he also said. Meanwhile, the Philippine leader welcomed the Japanese government’s removal of its arms exports ban last month through revisions of its three principles on defense equipment exports and their implementation guidelines. The Japanese move “gives us a continuing strengthening and deepening of relationship between our two countries,” he said. With the two nations working to enhance their defense cooperation, the Philippines plans to procure an Abukuma-class destroyer of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Philippines, which heavily relies on imports for energy, has been sizably affected by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transport waterway for Middle East crude oil. Marcos expressed his gratitude to Japan for helping his country secure various kinds of fuel. The president said that during the upcoming visit to Japan, he plans to discuss with Takaichi measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation, assuming that “such a thing will happen again,” without waiting for a similar energy crisis to occur. Marcos is scheduled to visit Japan as a state guest on May 26-29. He is also slated to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]