In a firm and unequivocal statement on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. addressed criticisms surrounding the deployment of US Typhon mid-range missile assets to the Philippines and its planned acquisition as part of its joint military exercises and overall defense strategy.
Teodoro emphasized the legitimacy, legality, and necessity of these activities, underscoring that they align with the country’s sovereign rights and national interests.
“The Philippines is a sovereign state, not any country’s ‘doorstep,’” Teodoro declared, rejecting assertions that the nation’s defense strategies are open to foreign veto.
He reaffirmed that all defense-related decisions and procurements are made in accordance with the country’s independent foreign policy and rooted in the Philippines’ national interest, specifically the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
Teodoro dismissed claims that these deployments are directed at any specific country, stating they are focused on addressing security risks, threats, and challenges.
He called out the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for their criticism of the Philippines’ defense initiatives, urging them to de-escalate regional tensions by adhering to international law and respecting the sovereignty of neighboring states.
“If the Chinese Communist Party is truly intent on reducing tensions and instability in the region, they should cease their saber-rattling, stop their provocative actions, halt their interference in other countries’ internal affairs, withdraw their illegal presence from the Philippines’ EEZ (exclusive economic zone), and adhere to International Law,” Teodoro said.
The Defense chief also highlighted the apparent hypocrisy of China’s criticisms, pointing to their continued build-up of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, sponsorship of subversive organizations abroad, and failure to uphold human rights domestically.
Teodoro’s statement comes as tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea, where the Philippines faced repeated incursions by Chinese vessels into its EEZ.
The joint military exercises with the United States, a long-standing treaty ally, are seen as part of a broader effort to enhance the Philippines’ defense capabilities and ensure regional stability.
As the region grapples with growing geopolitical challenges, the Philippine government reiterated its commitment to upholding its sovereignty and defending its national interests in accordance with international law.
Teodoro issued the statement after Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido announced that the Philippines’ will acquire the Typhon missile system, which the US deployed as part of its joint military exercises recently.
