Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that China has “misinterpreted” his remarks on how the Philippines will be forced into a conflict between China and Taiwan should one occur because “there is no way that the Philippines can stay out of it” due to its proximity.  Beijing accused Marcos of “playing with fire” after he made his statement in an interview with Indian media outlet Firstpost during his visit to New Delhi last week.

Reuters reported Marcos Jr.’s clarifications, saying that, “War over Taiwan will drag the Philippines kicking and screaming into the conflict. He also pointed out his suspicions that he was misinterpreted for propaganda reasons. “I'm a little bit perplexed why it would be characterised as such, as playing with fire,” he added.

China and the Philippines have engaged in a series of clashes in the South China Sea, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over almost the entire area despite international rulings that this claim has no legal basis. China's embassy in Manila has not responded to a request for comment on President Marcos Jr.’s remarks.