President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pushed back against China’s narrative that the Philippines is provoking instability in the region at the behest of more powerful nations, saying the country is acting independently to uphold its sovereignty and national interest.
In an interview with Indian news outlet Firstpost on Wednesday, Mr. Marcos also dismissed claims that Manila’s growing security ties with countries like the United States and India make it a mere proxy.
‘‘That would imply we don’t have our own agency, that we’re just bystanders told what to do. That is certainly not the case,’’ Mr. Marcos said.
‘‘It serves the narrative that we are acting as a puppet state to the United States or its allies. But a little reading and discussion will quickly show that’s simply not true.’’
President Marcos stressed that the Philippines’ actions are driven not by foreign interests but by a constitutional duty to protect its territory and people.
‘‘What we do in the Philippines is because it is our duty as officials, leaders, and citizens to defend our country,’’ he said.
He added that strategic partnerships with nations like India, the U.S., Australia, South Korea, and Japan are based on shared values and a mutual interest in preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
‘‘Who are we to turn down such assistance and help?’’ he said.
The remark comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Philippine vessels have repeatedly clashed with Chinese coast guard and militia ships.
Beijing continues to assert sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea via its so-called ‘‘nine-dash line,’’ recently revised to a ‘‘ten-dash line,’’ overlapping with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims and affirming Manila’s sovereign rights over features like Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal. China has rejected the ruling and intensified its presence in the area, including using water cannons and blocking resupply missions.
Mr. Marcos’ administration has taken a firmer stance than its predecessor, filing diplomatic protests and strengthening security ties with like-minded countries to uphold international law and deter aggression.
Asked if the repeated near-collisions at sea could escalate into a broader conflict, Mr. Marcos said war is unlikely but miscalculations are a serious concern.
‘‘That is what we’re worried about,’’ he said. ‘‘mistake’’ someone pushes the wrong button, navigation fails’and suddenly it’s a shooting war. That’s what we want to avoid.’’
He emphasized that close coordination with allies and open communication channels, including with China, are critical to reducing escalation risks.
President Marcos also said the Philippines would inevitably be affected by any military conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan, citing the country’s geographic proximity and the presence of thousands of Filipino workers on the island.
‘‘If there is a confrontation over Taiwan between China and the United States, there’s no way the Philippines can stay out of it, simply because of geography,’’ he said.
‘‘The city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan is a 40-minute flight from my home province in northern Philippines, in Laoag. That’s how close it is.’’
While hesitant about being drawn into regional conflict, Mr. Marcos said national sovereignty and humanitarian obligations would compel action.
‘‘We will be drawn into it with the greatest hesitation. But we will have to defend our territory and sovereignty,’’ he said.
He also raised concerns for the safety of Filipinos in Taiwan, who would be at immediate risk if conflict erupts.
‘‘There are many Filipino nationals in Taiwan, and that would immediately become a humanitarian problem,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ll have to find a way to bring our people home.’’
He warned that any repatriation would be extremely difficult in a live combat zone.
‘‘It would not be a small problem,’’ Mr. Marcos said.
There are an estimated 160,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, many working in electronics factories and as domestic workers. The Philippines maintains a one-China policy while sustaining robust economic and people-to-people ties with Taiwan.
Mr. Marcos also confirmed that the Philippines is acquiring more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India.
‘‘I’ve spoken to the officers and men who operate the BrahMos system, and they say we need more,’’ he told Firstpost in a televised interview aired Wednesday.
‘‘Thank God it has never been used, but from the demonstrations, training, and practice runs, they are confident in the equipment… We are in the process of procuring more.’’
Mr. Marcos is currently on a five-day state visit to India, with strengthening defense ties high on the agenda, alongside economic and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The President emphasized that the Philippines is not preparing for war, but responding to growing security challenges.
‘‘We are simply reacting to the increased tensions in recent years. This is our duty to defend the country,’’ he said.
He added that equipment upgrades like the BrahMos are essential to achieve technical interoperability with defense partners such as India, amid increasing joint training and maritime cooperation.
‘‘When I left Manila, four Indian vessels were in the South China Sea. One was a research vessel docked in the Philippines, and three were conducting exercises with the Philippine Navy,’’ he noted.
His remarks came as Chinese vessels continue to harass, ram, and block Filipino ships near Ayungin Shoal, violating Philippine sovereign rights.
Mr. Marcos praised India’s defense industry, calling its technology “second to none,” and said additional acquisitions beyond BrahMos are under review.
‘‘Everything is on the table right now,’’ he said, citing India’s defense technology as a top option for future procurement.
The Philippines received its first batch of BrahMos missiles in April 2024, becoming the system’s first foreign buyer. The second delivery followed in April 2025.
Three batteries of the ₱18.9-billion shore-based antiship missiles were acquired for the Philippine Marines after a deal signed on Dec. 31, 2021. The acquisition is part of the Philippine Navy’s modernization program, first conceptualized in 2017.
