Philippine Defense Minister: China may exploit cuts to US-South Korean exercises
In Seoul, South Korea, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro said that China could take advantage of cuts to US-South Korean military exercises to once again strengthen its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. He made the remarks on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Daily Maverick reports, citing Reuters.
US President Donald Trump decided last month to reduce military exercises with South Korea. This prompted discussions among security analysts about the reliability of US deterrence in Asia and whether Washington's rivals might see this as a weakening of its resolve.
Assurances for Manila
Responding to a question about Beijing's possible reaction, Teodoro said that China is quick to exploit gaps. In his view, reducing the exercises could create an opportunity for China to assert its influence in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
At the same time, the minister said Manila had received clear assurances from Washington. According to him, there are no signs that the changes in South Korea will affect US commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. Teodoro also noted that US and Philippine military activity had not been reduced, while bilateral and multilateral cooperation involving Manila is expanding.
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Cooperation with partners
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has deepened defense cooperation with the United States by expanding joint exercises and US forces' access to Philippine military facilities. This is taking place amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.
The Philippines is also expanding security ties with other partners. According to Teodoro, the country has concluded agreements with Canada and New Zealand, signed a visiting forces agreement with France, and is negotiating a similar document with the United Kingdom.
In Seoul, Teodoro discussed expanding defense cooperation with South Korea, which has supplied the Philippines with FA-50 light combat aircraft, frigates, and other military equipment. The submarine acquisition program, he said, is still under review due to requirements for their deployment and the need for substantial infrastructure.
