(Photo courtesy of PNA)
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has called for stronger unity and cooperation among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states as the region confronts evolving global security challenges that threaten the sovereignty and territorial rights of smaller and archipelagic nations.
Speaking at the opening of the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday, Teodoro emphasized that regional solidarity is essential to maintaining stability and protecting the interests of ASEAN countries amid growing geopolitical tensions.
“Against this backdrop, and in line with the Philippines’ theme of navigating our future together, we humbly offer, in our capacity as Chair of the ADMM, three key messages to guide our discussions growing forward. First, in a fragmenting world, our internal stability and intra-ASEAN unity are vital, perhaps even in the future existential,” Teodoro said.
He stressed that ASEAN must remain united in upholding its fundamental principles, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, and rejection of threats or the use of force.
According to Teodoro, the regional bloc’s strength lies in its diversity, which should serve as a foundation for cooperation rather than division.
“We must therefore not allow our differences to divide us from within. And where such differences exist, rather, including in the South China Sea, we shall settle them through peaceful and legal means,” he said.
The defense chief also welcomed efforts by Cambodia and Thailand to maintain their ceasefire agreement and pursue a lasting peaceful resolution to their differences.
He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to participating in the ASEAN Observer Team while respecting the concerns and sensitivities of the countries involved.
“For our part, the Philippines reaffirms its continued participation in the process settled by our leaders, the ASEAN Observer Team, with due regard for the sensitivities of all concerned,” Teodoro said.
Beyond regional unity, Teodoro highlighted the importance of practical defense cooperation in building trust and strengthening security partnerships among ASEAN member states.
He cited progress under the ADMM and ADMM-Plus frameworks in maritime security and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
Teodoro also proposed expanding regional cooperation to address food and energy security concerns, particularly as global conflicts continue to disrupt supply chains.
He warned that the anticipated super El Niño could further strain essential resources across Southeast Asia, affecting food production, water availability, electricity supply, and connectivity.
“Amid supply chain challenges from conflicts beyond our shores, we also see value in expanding our cooperation to secure food and energy security. This initiative gains in importance as Southeast Asia braces for a super El Niño, which will likewise affect food, water, electricity, and connectivity in our respective countries, thereby having serious potential security implications,” he said.
Teodoro encouraged participating defense officials to engage in open discussions on existing threats and their implications for regional peace and stability.
“Therefore, we hope to foster an environment that is conducive to frank and open exchanges of views throughout the week in the spirit of candor and ASEAN solidarity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Teodoro also underscored the significance of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award during a bilateral meeting with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday, ahead of the ADMM opening.
According to the Department of National Defense (DND), the two officials discussed regional security challenges, including foreign interference and coercive activities at sea.
Teodoro emphasized that the principles established by the 2016 arbitral ruling could benefit ASEAN member states in protecting their maritime rights under international law.
The defense secretary also highlighted the Philippines’ expanding defense partnerships with Japan, Canada, South Korea, Australia, India, and New Zealand.
He discussed opportunities for greater practical cooperation in defense capability development and strengthening supply chain resilience.
The DND said the bilateral meeting reinforced defense relations between the Philippines and Singapore as both countries seek to promote regional stability and strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges.
