Philippine Defense Secretary: Not worried about weakening US deterrence in Indo-Pacific, but China may seize opportunity
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Reuters today that the Philippines is not worried that the Middle East war will weaken US deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, but he warned that China might try to find an opportunity to act. His remarks come as the Philippines and the US conduct their annual 'Balikatan' joint military exercise.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:15
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US-Iran War Key News
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Manila, 28th, comprehensive foreign reports) Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Reuters today that the Philippines is not worried that the Middle East war will weaken US deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, but he warned that China might try to find an opportunity to exploit the situation.
Reuters reported that Teodoro made these remarks as the Philippines and the United States held their annual joint "Balikatan" military exercise. This year's exercise saw a record number of participating countries, including Japanese combat units participating for the first time.
Teodoro pointed out that China's recent actions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait are "not surprising." Beijing will always look for opportunities when it believes rival powers are distracted.
China has recently expanded its naval activities around Taiwan, including sending an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait. According to satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters, China also erected a barrier at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea this month.
The Philippines and China have had multiple maritime conflicts in the South China Sea in recent years. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, even though the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, rejected China's claims in 2016.
Teodoro stated: "It's not surprising. Whenever they see any opportunity, perceive an opportunity or weakness, or find an opening, they will exploit it."
He pointed out that he has full confidence in the long-standing "Mutual Defense Treaty" between the US and the Philippines and is not worried that the Iran war might weaken the US's strategic deployment capabilities in Asia.
Teodoro said he is not at all worried about weakening US deterrence, and the "Balikatan" exercise is a testament to Washington's commitment. (Translator: Chen Cheng-chien) 1150428
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Manila, 28th, comprehensive foreign reports) Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Reuters today that the Philippines is not worried that the Middle East war will weaken US deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, but he warned that China might try to find an opportunity to exploit the situation.
Reuters reported that Teodoro made these remarks as the Philippines and the United States held their annual joint "Balikatan" military exercise. This year's exercise saw a record number of participating countries, including Japanese combat units participating for the first time.
Teodoro pointed out that China's recent actions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait are "not surprising." Beijing will always look for opportunities when it believes rival powers are distracted.
China has recently expanded its naval activities around Taiwan, including sending an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait. According to satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters, China also erected a barrier at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea this month.
The Philippines and China have had multiple maritime conflicts in the South China Sea in recent years. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, even though the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, rejected China's claims in 2016.
Teodoro stated: "It's not surprising. Whenever they see any opportunity, perceive an opportunity or weakness, or find an opening, they will exploit it."
He pointed out that he has full confidence in the long-standing "Mutual Defense Treaty" between the US and the Philippines and is not worried that the Iran war might weaken the US's strategic deployment capabilities in Asia.
Teodoro said he is not at all worried about weakening US deterrence, and the "Balikatan" exercise is a testament to Washington's commitment. (Translator: Chen Cheng-chien) 1150428
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.