AFP chief tells troops to start plans for China’s possible invasion of Taiwan

Metro Manila, Philippines - The chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) told the troops of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) to “start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan.”

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made the directive during the 38th anniversary of the NOLCOM on Tuesday, April 1, explaining the troops need to extend their sphere of operations “because if something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved.”

“Do not be content with securing just the northern hemisphere up to Mavulis Island,” Brawner challenged the NOLCOM. “Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan.”

He said the NOLCOM will be at the frontline in rescuing the 250,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan when such a situation occurs.

In June 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country must be prepared for external threats which “has become more pronounced, has become more worrisome.”

During that speech addressed to troops, Marcos said the Philippines is an “area of interest” for China due to its proximity to Taiwan.

China and the Philippines have territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea.

Also on Tuesday, China launched joint military exercises around the self-governed Taiwan as a “stern warning and forceful deterrence against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces.”

Brawner’s order came as the Philippines and the United States will conduct Balikatan Exercises starting this April, which will be a “full battle test.” Most of the drills will be held in northern Luzon.

“We are now testing all of the plans, all of the doctrines, all of the procedures that we have developed in the past years, and this year we are going to test them. It's very important that we prepare for any eventuality,” the AFP chief said.

Brawner also mentioned the visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the country on Friday.

“In the speech of Secretary Hegseth, he said that their objective is to attain peace through strength. But how do you achieve strength? Strength is achieved by preparing for war, and so we are following that line,” he said.