MANILA – The Philippines’ top military official has cautioned that the country will inevitably be drawn into any potential invasion of Taiwan, as China intensifies its military maneuvers around the self-governed island.
General Romeo Brawner, addressing troops in northern Luzon on April 1, urged preparations for possible regional conflict, emphasizing the necessity of strategizing for a Taiwan invasion scenario. His warning coincided with large-scale Chinese military drills encircling Taiwan, which Beijing asserts is part of a long-term objective to reclaim control over the island.
“If anything happens to Taiwan, our involvement is inevitable,” Gen Brawner stated, without explicitly naming China. He underscored the importance of a wartime mindset among Filipino forces, urging them to be ready for unforeseen developments.
A crucial aspect of military preparedness, he noted, would be ensuring the safety and potential evacuation of around 250,000 Filipinos currently residing in Taiwan. However, details on how such an operation would be conducted were not provided.
The Philippines is set to host extensive joint military exercises with the United States beginning April 21. These drills, held in northern Luzon, are aimed at enhancing combat readiness and response capabilities.
“These areas could be vulnerable to attacks, and while I don’t intend to sound alarmist, we must be ready,” Gen Brawner told troops at the Northern Luzon Command headquarters.
The Philippines, bound by a mutual defense treaty with the U.S., has been locked in ongoing disputes with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing lays claim to nearly the entire waterway, despite an international tribunal ruling against its assertions.
During a recent visit to Manila, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to regional security, emphasizing the need for allied forces to maintain a united front to protect freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The upcoming Balikatan exercises will serve as a comprehensive combat assessment, testing existing military strategies, doctrines, and procedures. “Preparing for any eventuality is crucial,” Gen Brawner emphasized.
Additionally, he alleged that China is actively engaging in covert operations to infiltrate key Filipino institutions, including educational facilities, businesses, religious organizations, and even the military.
“China is already conducting hybrid warfare against us—cyber, information, cognitive, and political warfare,” he claimed, without specifying evidence.
Recent weeks have seen multiple arrests of Chinese nationals accused of spying on Philippine military and naval assets. The Chinese embassy has yet to respond to these allegations.