According to Manila's contingency plans for a potential battle in the region, the Philippines, a military partner of the US, constantly monitors the threat of China invading Taiwan, its defense chief said on Thursday.

With its northernmost islands only 190 kilometers (118 miles) from Taiwan, the Philippines is the nearest of the five US treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific (Australia, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand), according to South China Morning Post.

The security of the more than 100,000 Filipinos who reside and work in Taiwan is a top concern for the Philippines.

The Contingency Plans

Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stated that the emergency plans under discussion were "a multi-agency effort and not only a defense effort" without going into further detail.

For many years, the Philippines has been an important defense ally for the US, an ex-colonial power, but this year's measures to increase US access to its bases have infuriated China, which has accused the US of "stoking the fire" of regional hostility.

(Photo: by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) BATANES, PHILIPPINES - JUNE 29: General Andres Centino (C), Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Filipino soldiers take pictures next to a Philippine flag on June 29, 2023, in Mavulis Island, Batanes, Philippines.

This year, the Philippines has allowed access to four more bases, several of which face north into Taiwan. The Philippines has emphasized time and time again that it is not supporting either side of the US-China conflict.

The US's access to such bases would be "useful" defensively if China invaded Taiwan, according to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has pushed for tighter ties with Washington.

Recently, Washington and Beijing have worked to maintain lines of communication open as part of their efforts to manage their differences and repair their troubled relations.

Read also: Should US Pay Philippines for Military Bases? Some Filipino Lawmakers Say Yes

China's Potential Invasion of Taiwan

China has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory, and there is a growing fear that Beijing may attempt to invade the island. If China were to invade Taiwan, it would be a major escalation of tensions in the region and could have far-reaching consequences.

Taiwan is a self-governing island that has been independent of China since 1949. However, China still considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province and has vowed to bring it under its control by force if necessary.

In recent years, China has been increasing its military exercises around Taiwan and has been sending more and more military aircraft into the island's airspace.

If China were to invade Taiwan, it would be a very difficult and costly operation. Taiwan has a well-trained and well-equipped military, and the island is heavily fortified. Additionally, the United States has a strong interest in maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and would likely intervene if China were to invade.

A war between China and Taiwan would be a major regional conflict and could have a significant impact on the global economy. The Strait of Taiwan is a major shipping lane, and any conflict in the area would disrupt trade and could lead to higher energy prices.

Additionally, a war between China and Taiwan would be a major test of the US-China relationship and could have a significant impact on the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.

Related article: Taiwan Invasion: What Will Happen if China Attacks Taipei?