Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has strongly criticized China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, calling them “the biggest fiction and lie” that no Southeast Asian nation would accept. Teodoro’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, as Chinese forces recently installed a floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal to prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing the area.
In response to China’s assertive actions, Teodoro announced plans to strengthen the Philippines’ security ties through military agreements with New Zealand and Canada. These agreements aim to bolster defense cooperation and enable joint military exercises. The visiting forces agreement with New Zealand is set to be signed in April, while negotiations with Canada have reached their final stages.
Adding to the diplomatic efforts, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet Teodoro in Manila later this week. Their discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral and multilateral defense partnerships and addressing concerns over China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. This meeting underscores the Philippines’ commitment to building alliances to counter regional challenges.
The developments highlight the Philippines’ proactive stance in safeguarding its sovereignty and fostering international cooperation in the face of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
