In light of rising tensions in the region, the Philippine government has taken proactive measures to prepare for potential contingencies, including the possibility of China launching an invasion of Taiwan.
Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. disclosed this information during a press briefing held on Thursday.
He emphasized that the DND is meticulously planning for "all contingencies" related to the threat.
"First and foremost, we really have to make an assessment whether such is likely or not, nonetheless we continue to plan on all contingencies not merely as a flashpoint between China and Taiwan but any contingency within the theater," he said.
Despite being discreet about the details of the preparations, the defense chief assured that the administration, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is resolute in planning for all possible scenarios, not solely limited to a flashpoint between China and Taiwan, but any potential escalation in the region.
The situation between China and Taiwan has been increasingly tense, with Taiwan's defense ministry reporting incidents of Chinese warplanes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and approaching waters under Taipei's jurisdiction.
Additionally, Beijing has been encroaching on Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in recent years, putting pressure on countries to cut ties with the island.
In response to the visit of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian reiterated China's stance on the One-China policy.
He asserted that Taiwan is an "inalienable part" of China's territory, a claim that Taiwan has consistently rejected.
Given the Philippines' status as a defense ally of the United States, which has pledged to support Taiwan in the event of an armed conflict, concerns have arisen that the country could inadvertently become a target for China's military actions.
These concerns have been amplified by the Marcos administration's decision to grant the US wider access to military bases within Philippine territory.
Addressing apprehensions, the president himself clarified that the additional military base sites, meant to temporarily accommodate US military logistics and personnel, are not intended for offensive operations.
