PBBM seeks to avoid US-China crossfire

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines is actively seeking strategies to prevent being caught in the geopolitical crossfire between the United States and China.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Marcos explained that the Philippines is enhancing its collaboration with the US while simultaneously working on measures to de-escalate tensions with China.

He used the proverb of grass being trampled by fighting elephants to illustrate the Philippines' vulnerable position, expressing a desire to avoid such a fate.

Marcos highlighted the Philippines' proximity to Taiwan, noting the significant Filipino population there and the short distance between Taiwan's Kaohsiung city and the Philippine province of Batanes.

The article also mentions the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where both the Philippines and China have competing claims, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Arbitration Court favoring the Philippines.

During a recent visit to China, Marcos proposed to President Xi Jinping the elevation of a bilateral team that addresses South China Sea incidents to include senior officials from both nations.