Philippines must prepare as external threats grow, says president Marcos


Last year, Marcos gave US forces access to almost double the number of military bases at a time of concern over increased Chinese activity in the South China Sea and tension over Taiwan. - Bloomberg Photo

MANILA (Reuters): President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the Philippines should be prepared for any eventuality due to heightened tension in the Indo-Pacific region regarding sovereignty claims in the South China Sea as well as security issues around neighbouring Taiwan.

The Philippines has long clashed with China over the South China Sea. But the country's proximity to Taiwan also puts it in China's area of interest, Marcos told troops at a military camp in Isabela province in northern Cagayan region facing Taiwan.

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