The Philippines’ defense chief declared on Tuesday that China is the primary source of instability in Southeast Asia, amidst growing tensions with Beijing over the contested territories in the South China Sea.
Gilberto Teodoro voiced these concerns during a US Indo-Pacific Command conference, following a year of recurring skirmishes between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the region.
Despite international rulings invalidating its claims, Beijing continues to assert dominance over almost the entire sea, encroaching on areas within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which spans approximately 370km from its shore.
Teodoro specifically labeled China as the top disruptor of peace within the ASEAN community, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
He noted Beijing’s tactics such as patrolling the strategic waterway with boats and establishing militarized artificial islands to bolster its territorial claims.
Addressing the media, Teodoro called on international partners to denounce the country’s unlawful activities and to maintain pressure until Beijing ceases its aggressive behavior. “We require a unified stance and robust condemnation of China,” he stated. “We are contending with a formidable foe.”
This assertion follows a recent incident where Beijing implemented “control measures” against two Philippine Coast Guard vessels near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, as reported by Manila a day prior.
The Philippine Coast Guard, attempting to resupply a stationed ship, had to call off their operation due to China’s overwhelming naval presence and adverse maritime conditions, as described by Commodore Jay Tarriela to AFP on Monday.
Recent encounters have escalated at Sabina Shoal, situated 140km west of Palawan, Philippines, and roughly 1,200km from Hainan.
Both nations have deployed coast guard ships to this area in recent months, with Manila concerned about the potential Chinese construction of another artificial island.
The bilateral relations have deteriorated as the administration of Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos confronts Beijing’s maritime assertions.
