Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Tuesday cited the importance of defending the Philippines amid China’s unceasing maritime violations that also threaten the broader international order.
“If we are to preserve an international order, imperfect as it is, then we should care if anyone’s country, no matter how small, is violated,” he stated on the podcast “Why Should We Care about Indo-Pacific” hosted by Sealight Director Ray Powell.
The defense chief noted that China’s approach appears focused on weakening alliances between the United States and its partners.
“The Philippines and the United States are not only strategic partners but are also long-time allies, and perhaps the design of China is to destroy and remove allies not only in and from the United States but among each other,” he said.
Teodoro also highlighted that multiple nations support the Philippines’ stand, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and European G7 countries, all facing similar challenges from Chinese gray zone aggression.
“We know the threats that exist in the world, and we know the threat actors. We have to bond together not to show a force, but I will borrow the words of AFP Chief Gen. Brawner, as a show of unity,” he added.
The interview came as the country commemorated its 9th year since an arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, retired Supreme Court Justice Francis Jardeleza urged the government to file another legal challenge over the West Philippine Sea.
“Ang pangalawang kaso na pinag-usapan namin noon ni (Justice) Secretary (Jesus Crispin) Remulla ay ang environmental, no? Kasi walang kaduda-duda na maraming damage na nagawa ang China. So ‘yun ang aming— dalawa kami ni Florin Hilbay, ang aming hinihimok ang gobyerno na wag niyo kalimutan na may damage na tayo,” Jardeleza said on Monday.
