Latest news with #GilbertoTeodoro
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US-allied Philippines Gears Up for China War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Philippines has been working to strengthen its military ties with other regional players concerned about China's expansive activities in the South China Sea. "It would be hiding from the obvious to say that Taiwan's security will not affect us," Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro told The Washington Post in a recent interview. Recently, the United States' treaty ally has also found common cause with Taiwan, which faces the threat of a possible Chinese invasion. The prospect of such a conflict has left many governments in the Asia-Pacific on edge. Why It Matters Beijing's Chinese Communist Party government claims Taiwan as its territory, though it has never ruled the island, and China's rapid military buildup and coercive actions in the Taiwan Strait have led its neighbor to boost defense spending and order a series of high-profile weapons systems from the U.S., its main arms supplier. The Philippines has also been bolstering its defenses in response to the risk of a regional conflagration and China's expansionist moves within the country's exclusive economic zone. China claims sovereignty over most of the busy South China Sea—claims that overlap with those of the Philippines and several other nations. Philippine pushback under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been met with Chinese blockades, ramming, and water cannons that last year left several Filipino service members injured. U.S. soldiers participate in the Balikatan annual U.S.-Philippine joint military exercise in the Zambales province on April 27, 2025. U.S. soldiers participate in the Balikatan annual U.S.-Philippine joint military exercise in the Zambales province on April 27, 2025. Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Speaking on condition of anonymity, government officials and advisers from both Taiwan and the Philippines told the newspaper that Philippine academics with close defense ties took part in closed-door forums with top Taiwanese generals to familiarize themselves with Taiwanese security perspectives. Taipei and Manila also dispatched their coast guards on joint patrols in the Bashi Channel between the two sides, a waterway viewed by the U.S. as a strategic chokepoint in any conflict with China. Last month, Philippine navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad and coast guard official Jay Tarrieala traveled to Taiwan to join experts from 15 governments at a summit that included discussions on countering Chinese hybrid warfare strategies. It was the first high-level Philippine delegation since the Marcos administration lifted a ban on such trips in April. In another sign of growing defense engagement, representatives from Taiwan's navy and marine corps observed U.S., Philippine, and Japanese troops training with a U.S. NMESIS ship-killing missile launcher in the Batanes Islands—a Philippine province closer to southern Taiwan than to Manila. Philippine-U.S. security ties continue to deepen after Washington gained access to four new military sites in the country in 2023, bringing the total to nine. Manila has not confirmed whether these would be available for use in a U.S. defense of Taiwan. China's embassy in Washington, D.C. referred Newsweek to a statement by its embassy in Manila: "We urge the Philippine side to abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," an embassy spokesperson said, adding: "those who play with fire will perish by it." What Happens Next The U.S. and the Philippines share a mutual defense treaty, and Taiwan is home to over 160,000 Filipino migrant workers who would need to be evacuated if an invasion occurred. Philippine officials have said they must prepare for the possibility of such an eventuality. "Because, if something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved," Philippines armed forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said in April. Against this backdrop of regional tensions, the Philippines has launched a decade-long, $35 billion military modernization program that will include the purchase of more capable fighter jets and warships.
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Ally Issues Warning Over China Military Expansion in Pacific
China's "aggressiveness" in the Asia-Pacific region has been years in the making and does not depend on which U.S. administration is in power, Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro warned Wednesday. "It depends on its own plan of action in the region-in our view, its own expansionist activities, its own need to control the area," he said during remarks at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory, citing historical rights-a position that puts it at odds with the Philippines and several other countries with competing claims. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has mounted a strong challenge to China's growing presence within its exclusive economic zone. Chinese maritime forces have responded with blockades at disputed reefs and forceful measures during confrontations with Philippine government vessels. This has brought renewed focus on the Southeast Asian country's defense treaty with Washington, which could potentially draw U.S. forces into a conflict with geopolitical rival Beijing. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry via a request for comment by email. Asked whether U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership style had prompted China's behavior, Teodoro said Beijing's designs are "predetermined by their own leader-irrespective of who an American leader is," though he acknowledged "U.S. pushback" remains a factor. As for the prospect of war, the official said he believed the chances are "remote." "That would entirely depend on the internal conditions of China," Teodoro said, pointing out the Philippines is constitutionally barred from seeking war "as an instrument of national policy." He said Manila seeks to balance diplomacy with a credible deterrent. "What we are doing is merely putting a stop-as best as we can-to the illegal incursion of China, of which I do not think any country in the world supports," Teodoro said. His remarks echoed comments he made in a Newsweek interview at last month's Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he said China's actions have bred weariness and distrust. Both the administrations of Trump and former President Joe Biden have reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to the defense treaty with the Philippines, which remains "ironclad." Beijing has repeatedly accused the Philippines of being in a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain China's rise and touted bilateral dialogue with its neighbor as the only solution to their territorial dispute. Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, said of the Asia Pacfic's hot spots during a recent interview with CNN: "On China, let me say this, everybody focuses on Taiwan. Look, you have the South China Sea with the Philippines. That is a country that's a treaty ally of the United States. You have our entire reputation and clarity of deterrence on stage. "…And Xi does not have the confidence in his own military to make that move yet [against Taiwan]. So to me, the real challenge is, first and foremost in the front queue, is the South China Sea with the Philippines." President Marcos has indicated that any deliberate act by China resulting in a Philippine death would constitute a "red line." Still, in its pushback against China, the country has sought to avoid outright conflict, opting instead to document and publicize Chinese vessel movements and incidents, such as ramming and water cannon attacks. Even so, tensions with China are driving the Philippines' ongoing $35 billion military modernization program, which includes efforts to acquire more capable fighter jets and warships. Related Articles US Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China SeaUS Ally Plans Naval Power Increase Amid China Threat on Disputed TerritoryChina Sends Military on Combat Patrol Against US Ally: VideoMap Tracks US Coast Guard Missions Near China 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Ally Issues Warning Over China Military Expansion in Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's "aggressiveness" in the Asia-Pacific region has been years in the making and does not depend on which U.S. administration is in power, Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro warned Wednesday. "It depends on its own plan of action in the region—in our view, its own expansionist activities, its own need to control the area," he said during remarks at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore. Why It Matters China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory, citing historical rights—a position that puts it at odds with the Philippines and several other countries with competing claims. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has mounted a strong challenge to China's growing presence within its exclusive economic zone. Chinese maritime forces have responded with blockades at disputed reefs and forceful measures during confrontations with Philippine government vessels. This has brought renewed focus on the Southeast Asian country's defense treaty with Washington, which could potentially draw U.S. forces into a conflict with geopolitical rival Beijing. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry via a request for comment by email. What To Know Asked whether U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership style had prompted China's behavior, Teodoro said Beijing's designs are "predetermined by their own leader—irrespective of who an American leader is," though he acknowledged "U.S. pushback" remains a factor. Crew members of the Philippine Coast Guard ship Teresa Magbanua wave during exercises with the United States Coast Guard ship Cutter Stratton and the Japan Coast Guard ship Asanagi in the waters around the southern... Crew members of the Philippine Coast Guard ship Teresa Magbanua wave during exercises with the United States Coast Guard ship Cutter Stratton and the Japan Coast Guard ship Asanagi in the waters around the southern Japanese city of Kagoshima on June 20, 2025. More Richard Brooks/AFP via Getty Images As for the prospect of war, the official said he believed the chances are "remote." "That would entirely depend on the internal conditions of China," Teodoro said, pointing out the Philippines is constitutionally barred from seeking war "as an instrument of national policy." He said Manila seeks to balance diplomacy with a credible deterrent. "What we are doing is merely putting a stop—as best as we can—to the illegal incursion of China, of which I do not think any country in the world supports," Teodoro said. His remarks echoed comments he made in a Newsweek interview at last month's Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he said China's actions have bred weariness and distrust. Both the administrations of Trump and former President Joe Biden have reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to the defense treaty with the Philippines, which remains "ironclad." Beijing has repeatedly accused the Philippines of being in a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain China's rise and touted bilateral dialogue with its neighbor as the only solution to their territorial dispute. What People Are Saying Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, said of the Asia Pacfic's hot spots during a recent interview with CNN: "On China, let me say this, everybody focuses on Taiwan. Look, you have the South China Sea with the Philippines. That is a country that's a treaty ally of the United States. You have our entire reputation and clarity of deterrence on stage. "…And Xi does not have the confidence in his own military to make that move yet [against Taiwan]. So to me, the real challenge is, first and foremost in the front queue, is the South China Sea with the Philippines." What's Next President Marcos has indicated that any deliberate act by China resulting in a Philippine death would constitute a "red line." Still, in its pushback against China, the country has sought to avoid outright conflict, opting instead to document and publicize Chinese vessel movements and incidents, such as ramming and water cannon attacks. Even so, tensions with China are driving the Philippines' ongoing $35 billion military modernization program, which includes efforts to acquire more capable fighter jets and warships.
Japan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Philippine defense chief rules out U.S. as factor in China's 'expansionist' agenda
China's aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific is rooted in long-standing strategic ambitions independent of any U.S. policy, and the region's challenges stem from Beijing's own expansionist agenda, the Philippines' top defense official said on Wednesday. The Philippines and China have had a series of run-ins and heated exchanges in the busy waterway of the South China Sea over the past two years, including an incident in June last year when a Philippine sailor lost a finger. "The aggressiveness of China has been several years in the making," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in an interview at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore. "China's design for the region does not depend on any American leader," Teodoro said, replying to a query on whether U.S. President Donald Trump's style and stance had served as a catalyst for China's actions. "It depends on its own plan of action in the region, its own expansionist activities, its own need to control the area." While acknowledging that U.S. policies influence regional dynamics, Teodoro said China's actions were "predetermined" by its leadership, regardless of who was in power in Washington. Despite rising tension in the major regional flash point of the South China Sea, Teodoro dismissed fears that conflict was on the horizon. "The prospect of war is not imminent," he added. "I believe it is remote, but that would entirely depend upon the internal conditions of China." China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping claims by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. Teodoro said Manila was focused on deterrence, backed by diplomacy. "You can't have diplomacy without a credible deterrent force, and what we are doing is merely putting a stop, as best as we can, to the illegal incursions of China, which I do not think any country in the world supports," he said. To boost its external defense capabilities, the Philippines is investing billions of dollars to modernize its military, and part of that plan is to acquire multirole fighter jets. While submarines were on the wish list, Teodoro said they were not a priority at the moment, with the focus on weaponizing and building infrastructure to maintain current platforms. Teodoro rejected the notion that ASEAN had failed to respond to China's actions, given that the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc has been working on a code of conduct with Beijing to avert confrontations in the South China Sea. "It is obvious that ASEAN countries are wary and worried about China's activities. If not, there would be no call for a code of conduct in the South China Sea. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to be very concerned about what is happening." Since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, Manila has grown increasingly vocal in its opposition to China's actions in the South China Sea, while significantly strengthening ties with traditional ally the United States, and like-minded partners, such as Australia and Japan. Teodoro believed it would be difficult for any future leader to reverse current policy because it has strong public backing. Marcos' single-six year term ends in 2028. "I feel that any leader in the future, in the face of what China is doing, and in the face of public opinion ... and there is a distrust, not of China, but of the Chinese government in what they are doing. So it would be hard for any leader to reshape that narrative," he said.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Philippine defence chief says deterrence, diplomacy used in South China Sea
This photo shows a general view of US aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) moored at Manila Bay in Manila on July 4, 2025. While acknowledging that US policies influence regional dynamics, the Philippines Defence Secretary said China's actions were "pre-determined" by its leadership, regardless of who was in power in Washington. - AFP MANILA: Despite rising tension in the major regional flashpoint of the South China Sea, the Philippines' top defence official dismissed fears that conflict was on the horizon on Wednesday (July 9). "The prospect of war is not imminent," said Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in an interview at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore. "I believe it is remote, but that would entirely depend upon the internal conditions of China." The Philippines and China have had a series of run-ins and heated exchanges in the busy waterway of the South China Sea over the past two years, including an incident in June last year when a Philippine sailor lost a finger. "China's design for the region does not depend on any American leader," Teodoro added, replying to a query whether US President Donald Trump's style and stance had served as a catalyst for China's actions. While acknowledging that US policies influence regional dynamics, Teodoro said China's actions were "pre-determined" by its leadership, regardless of who was in power in Washington. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping claims by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping claims by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. Teodoro said Manila was focused on deterrence, backed by diplomacy. "You can't have diplomacy without a credible deterrent force, and what we are doing is merely putting a stop, as best as we can, to the illegal incursions of China, which I do not think any country in the world supports," he said. To boost its external defence capabilities, the Philippines is investing billions of dollars to modernise its military, and part of that plan is to acquire multi-role fighter jets. While submarines were on the wishlist, Teodoro said they were not a priority at the moment, with the focus on weaponising and building infrastructure to maintain current platforms. Teodoro rejected the notion that Asean had failed to respond to China's actions, given that the ten-nation South-East Asian bloc has been working on a code of conduct with Beijing to avert confrontations in the South China Sea. "It is obvious that Asean countries are wary and worried about China's activities. If not, there would be no call for a code of conduct in the South China Sea. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to be very concerned about what is happening." Since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in 2022, Manila has grown increasingly vocal in its opposition to China's actions in the South China Sea, while significantly strengthening ties with traditional ally the United States, and like-minded partners, such as Australia and Japan. Teodoro believed it would be difficult for any future leader to reverse current policy because it has strong public backing. Marcos' single-six year term ends in 2028. "I feel that any leader in the future, in the face of what China is doing, and in the face of public opinion... and there is a distrust, not of China, but of the Chinese government in what they are doing. So it would be hard for any leader to reshape that narrative," he said. - Reuters
