Philippines’ Teodoro Warns of China’s Potential Exploitation of US-South Korea Drill Cuts
POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has cautioned that China might use the recent reductions in US-South Korean joint military exercises as a chance to...
POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has cautioned that China might use the recent reductions in US-South Korean joint military exercises as a chance to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
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At the Seoul Defense Dialogue, an annual multilateral security forum, Teodoro expressed concern that Beijing is adept at capitalizing on any perceived openings. When asked if China could take advantage of the scaled-back drills, he stated, ‘China is very quick to exploit gaps.’
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Teodoro also noted that the United States had provided Manila with firm assurances that its commitments to the Philippines remain unwavering.
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Additionally, he accused China of leveraging democratic systems to disseminate misleading narratives.
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Recently, the US and South Korea shortened the duration of their annual joint military exercises and scaled back field training after President Donald Trump called for a ‘substantial reduction’ in the war games. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise concluded six days earlier than initially planned.
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Trump cited his ‘very good relationship’ with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and linked the decision to South Korea’s reluctance to join the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran.
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South Korea’s presidential office is considering ‘contributions’ to the US’s freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, any military deployment would require approval from the National Security Council, a cabinet resolution, and consent from the National Assembly.
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President Trump announced plans to meet with Kim later this year. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, subsequently denied any ongoing communication between the two leaders and maintained that Washington continues to adopt a ‘hostile’ policy toward her country.
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The US, South Korea, and Japan are set to conduct five days of military drills near Jeju Island, starting on Monday. The South Korean military described the Freedom Edge exercise as defensive, aimed at countering North Korean nuclear and missile threats and promoting regional stability.
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North Korea has previously criticized the trilateral drill, calling it a ‘reckless show of strength’ and suggesting it reflects the US’s intention to encircle China and pressure Russia.
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Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines is committed to enhancing military cooperation with the US, driven by concerns over China’s potential exploitation of the reduced US-South Korean exercises to reassert its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
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Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)