Manila, Aug. 11 -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday dismissed China's accusation that his recent remarks on the possible Taiwan conflict amounted to "playing with fire," reaffirming the Philippines' resolve to defend its territory amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing at Malacanang, Marcos defended his remarks while on a state visit to India last week, where he said the Philippines would inevitably be affected in the event of a military conflict between China and the United States (US) over Taiwan.

The President cited the country's geographic proximity and the presence of thousands of Filipino workers on the self-ruled island. The remark has since drawn the ire of China.

"I don't know what they ar...