China has lodged a strong protest against Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s recent remarks that the Philippines could not stay out of a conflict over Taiwan. Speaking during a visit to India, Marcos highlighted the country’s large Filipino community in Taiwan and said the Philippines would be drawn into any all-out war there to protect its people, Firstpost reported.

In response, China reaffirmed its “One China” policy, stressing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the issue is a core internal matter. Chinese officials warned Manila against interfering in what they consider China’s sovereign affairs, despite geographic proximity and Filipino ties to Taiwan.

Marcos’s comments come amid escalating South China Sea tensions and reflect the Philippines’ push for stronger strategic partnerships, including with India, to bolster regional security. The Chinese embassy in Manila also lodged formal protests over the remarks, according to Firstpost.