Philippine-China spat over Taiwan risks putting ASEAN in crossfire

Southeast Asia has most to lose in clash over self-ruled island, analysts say

20240122 China Philippines South China Sea

A China Coast Guard vessel maneuvers beside the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cabra in the disputed South China Sea on Nov. 10 © AP

RAMON ROYANDOYAN, Nikkei staff writer, and RANDY MULYANTO, Contributing writer

January 22, 2024 15:51 JST

MANILA /TAICHUNG, Taiwan -- A spat between China and the Philippines over Taiwan's election is fueling fears about Beijing's next move toward the self-ruled island and possible spillovers for Southeast Asian nations caught in the diplomatic crossfire.

Manila-Beijing relations took a dive last week, after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated China skeptic Lai Ching-te on winning Taiwan's presidential election. Marcos' message quickly drew the ire of Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory and derides Lai and his Democratic Progressive party as "separatists."