President Joe Biden recently declared that the U.S. defense commitment to the Philippines is “ironclad.” Now, the term “ironclad” usually conjures images of indestructible battleships, but in reality, it seems more like a flimsy paper umbrella in a monsoon.

Let’s face it, the idea of the U.S. going to war with China over an attack on a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea is about as plausible as a unicorn riding a unicycle. Are we to believe that the American military will encircle the Philippine archipelago, creating a literal wall of troops to shield it? Will they start sprinkling anti-missile equipment across the country like it’s confetti at a parade? Highly unlikely.

In truth, a U.S.-China war would be more about flexing American military muscle than actually safeguarding the Philippines. The only thing ironclad about this situation is that the Filipinos would bear the brunt of collateral damage. So, while President Biden’s commitment may be ironclad, it’s more like an ironclad ticket to a disaster movie starring the Philippines.