Philippines Reassures Ties with US Amidst China Tensions, Says Doesn’t Expect Payment for Protection
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed confidence on Tuesday that the incoming Trump administration will not demand increased financial contributions from the Philippines for military protection, citing the shared threat allegedly posed by China, The Associated Press reports.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles following an inaugural bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security ties, Teodoro responded to a query about potential pressure from the US for financial contributions.
“I really don’t expect some sort of a statement from Mr. Trump, hopefully not.”
He further emphasized the shared interest both the US and Philippines have in maintaining their strong partnership, particularly in the face of what he described as China’s “overreach and aggressive and illegal activities.” This sentiment was echoed by Marles, who assured that Australia remains confident in the enduring strength of its alliance with the US, regardless of the outcome of the presidential elections.
These reassurances come amidst heightened tensions in the South China Sea, a region where China claims almost all of the strategically vital waterway despite international arbitration rulings against its claims. The Philippines recently enacted two laws reaffirming its maritime territories and resource rights, including in the South China Sea, a move that has angered Beijing.
China’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the Philippine ambassador to lodge a “stern protest,” condemning the laws as an attempt to “solidify the illegal ruling of the South China Sea arbitration case through domestic legislation.”
Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine maritime forces in the disputed sea passage have escalated dramatically in recent years, raising fears of a potential US involvement in a larger conflict. The newly signed laws, known as the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, explicitly reject China’s claims and impose stiff penalties on violators.
