A decade has passed since the Philippines secured an international legal victory against China’s maritime claims. However, tensions remain high as China continues to challenge these rulings. In response, the Philippines is bolstering its forces and alliances to counter ongoing Chinese encroachments, according to the Secretary of National Defense, Gilberto Teodoro, speaking from Manila.
The ruling, issued on July 12, 2016, rejected China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea. Despite this, standoffs between Chinese forces and those aligned with the U.S. treaty partner persist over the region’s small atolls, sandbanks, and islands. Concerns remain that China aims to convert these areas into military bases, as observed elsewhere.
Teodoro emphasized the need to reinforce presence in multiple locations. “We observe attempts to occupy areas within our exclusive economic zone, and we must resist that,” stated Teodoro at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Manila. “Our goal is to halt China’s incremental advancements, not only here but throughout the South China Sea.”
“We are building a coalition to enforce the ruling, but our initial focus is stopping China’s gradual incursion,” he added.
China has consistently dismissed the 2016 ruling based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Despite not seizing additional features in the area, known locally as the West Philippine Sea, tensions over Scarborough Shoal continue. This area, about 140 miles from the Philippines’ largest island, remains contentious.
Despite his own sanctions from China, Teodoro remains focused on broader security concerns. “They’re still where they’re not supposed to be,” he noted. The Philippines remains committed to its defense alliances, particularly with the United States. Teodoro expressed confidence in these partnerships despite any past uncertainties.
Strengthening ties with “convergence partners” like Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is key. These partnerships focus on interconnected supply chains and shared goals in the Indo-Pacific region. The “Pax Silica,” a U.S.-led initiative to secure global technology supply chains, including the Philippines, aligns with these efforts.
Teodoro emphasized the need for increased defense spending, targeting at least 2 percent of GDP to safeguard its extensive territory and modernize its forces. The Philippines, with its numerous islands and frequent natural disasters, requires robust defense capabilities, notably modern drones.
The Philippines’ reliance on China for essential goods complicates the relationship. Efforts are underway to reduce dependency, acknowledging China’s strategic pressures through various means including “wolf warrior” diplomacy and disinformation.
Teodoro advised patience and strategic resilience, drawing on long-term tactics associated with Deng Xiaoping’s philosophy. “We have to play the Chinese game, the long game,” he concluded.
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