The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Speaking to on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Teodoro said the recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had not changed Manila's assessment of the challenges posed by Beijing.
While it was natural for major powers such as the United States and China to seek ways to manage tensions, Teodoro said countries facing direct territorial disputes with China must continue to focus on their own security and resilience.
The Philippines and China have been involved in repeated confrontations in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims vast areas of waters that overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several regional states, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
An international arbitration tribunal in 2016 rejected the legal basis of China's expansive claims, but Beijing has continued to assert its position and has dismissed the ruling.
Teodoro said there was no indication that Washington's commitments under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty had been weakened by either the Trump-Xi summit or the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He said the alliance with the United States was reinforced by growing defence cooperation with countries including Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
According to Teodoro, the Philippines is pursuing a strategy focused on strengthening deterrence, improving defence infrastructure and building resilience against external pressure.
Manila has accelerated military modernisation efforts in recent years, expanded access agreements with allies and increased joint military exercises amid tensions in the South China Sea.
Teodoro dismissed reports that China had offered assistance to the Philippines, including fertiliser and fuel supplies during shortages linked to disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
He said such gestures did not alter Manila's assessment of Beijing's actions in the region and argued that any long-term demonstration of goodwill remained absent.
The defence secretary added that the Philippines would continue to prioritise national security and strategic partnerships while maintaining its current approach toward China.
Teodoro also rejected speculation that he could seek the presidency in 2028 when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term ends, saying he remained focused on his current responsibilities in government.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United Nations (UN) added Israel and Russia to a blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence on Friday (29 May). The move prompted Israel to announce it would sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Voting has begun in Malta’s parliamentary election, with opinion polls suggesting the ruling Labour Party is on course to win a fourth consecutive term.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment