Philippine military chief warns troops to ‘start planning’ in event of Taiwan conflict

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr has warned his troops to be prepared for a possible invasion of Taiwan by mainland China, a directive analysts say underscores how Manila’s involvement would be “inevitable” given the large presence of Filipino workers there and the Southeast Asian nation’s defence ties with the US.

Speaking at an event marking the 38th anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) on Tuesday, Brawner told the assembled soldiers to “start planning” for such a scenario, warning they would be at “the front line” of any rescue operation should mainland China attack the self-ruled island.

“If something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved. There are 250,000 OFWs [Filipino overseas workers] working in Taiwan and we will have to rescue them, and it will be the task of the Nolcom to be at the front line of that operation,” he said.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.

Brawner’s statement came on the same day that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Eastern Command spokesman, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, announced more massive military drills near Taiwan.