Philippines: US Deterrence in Indo‑Pacific Remains Strong; Teodoro Warns China Could Exploit Any Opening

Manila, April 28 — The Philippines' defence secretary said on Tuesday he is not worried that the war in the Middle East will weaken U.S. deterrence in the Indo‑Pacific, while cautioning that China might try to take advantage of any perceived openings.

Gilberto Teodoro made the remarks in an interview with Reuters during the annual Balikatan joint exercises between the Philippines and the United States. This year’s drills feature the largest-ever roster of participating countries and, for the first time, Japanese combat troops.

Teodoro described China’s recent activity in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait as "not surprising," saying Beijing tends to act when it perceives rival powers are distracted.

Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters shows increased Chinese naval activity around Taiwan, including the transit of an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait, and the installation of a barrier this month at the mouth of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila and Beijing have clashed repeatedly over maritime control in the area, which China claims almost entirely despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected those claims.

"It is not surprising that any opportunity they see—perceived weakness or opening—they will try to take advantage," Teodoro said.

Teodoro reaffirmed his full confidence in the Mutual Defence Treaty between the Philippines and the United States and said he did not believe the Iran conflict would stretch U.S. strategic bandwidth in Asia.

"I'm not concerned at all about reduced deterrence," he said, pointing to the Balikatan exercises as evidence of Washington's continued commitment to regional security.

China has previously criticised the joint drills, saying such exercises raise regional tensions. Its embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Teodoro's remarks.

Stronger Partnerships and Arms Talks With Japan

Teodoro said the expanded participation in Balikatan reflects Manila's broader push to build defence resilience through a network of like‑minded partners in response to an increasingly assertive China. He added that the Philippines and Japan are discussing a possible frigate purchase at both secretary and ministerial levels.

The talks could be raised during an upcoming visit by Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is due to observe the exercises next week. Teodoro also welcomed Japan’s recent decision to lift long‑standing restrictions on arms exports, saying it will broaden Manila's access to affordable, high-quality defence equipment.

"The Japanese have a track record of affordable, high-quality equipment, which we hope to extend to the defence space. Since this space is opening up, we're very excited," he said.

Japan's policy shift opens the door to exports of warships, missiles and other systems, a development welcomed by several U.S. allies as global conflicts place pressure on weapons stocks and strategic commitments.

(Reporting by Karen Lema and Nestor Corrales; Editing by John Mair and Raju Gopalakrishnan)