Philippine Defense Chief Proposes 'Archipelagic Sentinel' Concept to Counter Chinese Maritime Expansion

MANILA (CNA) - Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. proposed the concepts of "Archipelagic Sentinel" and "Guardian of the Freedom of the Seas" today at the Shangri-La Dialogue, emphasizing that the Philippines will utilize its strategic geographic position to maintain maritime order and prevent China's maritime expansion. The Shangri-La Dialogue is being held in Singapore. According to a press release from the Philippine Department of National Defense, Teodoro stated in his speech that the current international situation is increasingly complex, and it is necessary for like-minded countries to strengthen cooperation and convergence to jointly defend an international order based on the rule of law. As the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration ruling approaches, Teodoro stated that the Philippines has become a hub for defenders of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He pointed out that while there are disagreements among allies and partners on some issues, it is still possible to find common ground. On this basis, the Philippines is willing to position itself as an "Archipelagic Sentinel" and a "Guardian of the Freedom of the Seas." Teodoro emphasized that these two roles allow the Philippines to use its strategic geographic advantages to protect maritime freedom, laws, and physical infrastructure, enabling the world to navigate, trade, and prosper. He said, "As an Archipelagic Sentinel, the Philippines will protect its sovereignty and legitimate rights, and as a Guardian of the Freedom of the Seas, it will work with the international community to safeguard maritime freedom in the region." Although he did not name a specific country, the concepts proposed by Teodoro were clearly aimed at China's maritime expansion in the region. In his speech, Teodoro criticized China for ignoring the South China Sea arbitration ruling and using a "Talk and Take" strategy, using negotiations as a cover to continue gaining benefits in the South China Sea. He also criticized China for bullying neighboring countries, citing recent cases such as the Chinese spy scandal in the UK and the illegal acting as a foreign government agent by the former mayor of Arcadia, California, implying that China is a source of external infiltration risk. On the other hand, Teodoro used his attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue to hold bilateral talks with defense chiefs from the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland to deepen defense cooperation. Teodoro and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reaffirmed their commitment to deepening U.S.-Philippines defense cooperation to enhance the Philippines' deterrence capabilities in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He also exchanged views with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on issues such as Japan's transfer of Abukuma-class frigates and TC-90 patrol aircraft to the Philippines.