Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has called on China to address a “deficit of trust and credibility” in order to improve defense relations between the two nations. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Teodoro highlighted China’s increasingly assertive military activities in the South China Sea, particularly in areas claimed by the Philippines.

Teodoro criticized China’s military for its aggressive maneuvers, noting that the Philippines has been subjected to more intense activities compared to other regional claimants like Vietnam. He expressed frustration over engagements with Chinese military officials, describing their discourse as inflexible and heavily influenced by propaganda.

Despite these challenges, Teodoro reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to peacefully deter Chinese advances, emphasizing the strength of its security ties with the United States. He underscored the importance of upholding international law and maintaining regional stability in the face of China’s expansive territorial claims, which were deemed illegitimate by a 2016 international tribunal ruling—a decision China refuses to accept.

The Philippines remains one of the most vocal critics within ASEAN regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea, advocating for a rules-based order to ensure peace and security in the region.

Source; Reuters