Philippines Strengthens Archipelagic Defense Amid Taiwan Strait Tensions

The Philippines has adopted a new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept aimed at expanding its military reach across its Exclusive Economic Zone, driven largely by growing tensions with China over the South China Sea, including disputes around the Second Thomas Shoal. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged that Manila would inevitably be drawn into any conflict between China and Taiwan due to geographic proximity and the significant Filipino community on the island. In response, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro expressed openness to discussing evacuation plans with China to ensure the safety of nearly 200,000 Filipinos living in Taiwan amid rising cross-strait tensions, while maintaining the Philippines' adherence to the one-China policy and not recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state. Contingency plans to assist and evacuate Filipinos from Taiwan in the event of conflict have been in discussion since early 2025, with Taiwan pledging support for protecting overseas Filipino workers. Taiwan and the Philippines have also been strengthening economic and diplomatic ties despite Chinese opposition, including a notable visit by Taiwan's Foreign Minister to the Philippines, which drew criticism from Beijing. These developments underscore the interconnected security challenges facing Manila and Taipei amid Beijing's assertive posture in the region.