Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday raised concerns over recent Chinese military and coast guard activities surrounding Taiwan, warning that such actions jeopardize the fragile peace in the Indo-Pacific.
In a formal statement, Teodoro characterized the maneuvers—which reportedly include missile launches, fighter jet sorties, and naval vessel movements—as a “heightened scale of coercion” that impacts the broader international community.
“These actions undermine regional peace and stability and are creating cracks in an already fragile geopolitical environment,” Teodoro said.
The Defense chief emphasized that the implications of China’s activities extend beyond cross-strait relations, affecting the security of the entire Indo-Pacific region. He called for a return to international norms and the exercise of caution.
“Basic principles of self-restraint must be observed, and the rule of international law must not be distorted,” he added.
Teodoro reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order, advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes without the use of “deception, coercion, or intimidation.”
The Department of National Defense (DND) maintains its stance in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, stressing that regional stability depends on adherence to established international laws and norms.
