China must address its “deficit of trust and credibility” to repair its strained defense relations with the Philippines, though a significant breakthrough in the near future appears unlikely, according to Manila’s top defense official.
On Saturday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told Reuters that China’s expanding military capabilities pose an “undeniable” threat, aligning with similar remarks from Pete Hegseth, his counterpart from treaty ally United States.
“China’s activities are getting more expansive and more aggressive. Their demonstrations of force are getting more frequent, and in the West Philippine Sea, we are getting used to their activities, but they have expanded the areas where they are doing it,” Teodoro said, referring to the South China Sea.
During a comprehensive interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense meeting in Singapore, Teodoro expressed frustration over interactions with Chinese military counterparts.
The Defense chief noted their tendency to stick to rigid talking points and propaganda, emphasizing that they represent an institution primarily serving the Communist Party leadership.
“I believe my foreign affairs colleagues are trying their level best to engage China. But on the defense side, what we have seen is that China has to overcome a deficit of trust and credibility,” he said.
“They continue their activities while gaslighting us that because the proximity and the defensive capabilities of the Philippines are not on par with Vietnam, so they choose us as an easy target.”
Teodoro also emphasized that both the US and the Philippines aim to peacefully deter China’s actions, expressing confidence in Washington’s security commitments following his meeting with Hegseth in Singapore.
The Philippines has been one of the most outspoken critics of China’s increasing assertions of sovereignty in the South China Sea, standing in contrast to neighbors like Malaysia, which has taken a more reserved approach.
“No country in ASEAN is subjected to the same amount of intense activities in all fronts by China, but the Philippines,” said Teodoro.
Earlier this month, China’s foreign ministry called on the Philippines to cease what it described as provocations in the South China Sea. Chinese officials have also repeatedly accused the United States of fostering division in the region.
