The Philippines will continue to build alliances with various powers despite Chinese pressure

The Philippines will continue to build security alliances and conduct joint military exercises to protect its territorial interests, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Friday (24 May).

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Teodoro directly criticised Beijing's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, without calling China China. In a speech to senior military leaders at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the founding of the Philippine Navy in Manila, he said that the Philippines would not tolerate aggression and provocative moves.

Following the intensification of disputes with China in the South China Sea, the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to establish new security alliances with a number of Asian and Western countries and allowed the US military presence at more Philippine bases.

In April and May, the Philippine military conducted its annual live-fire exercises with US forces in and near the waters disputed by China. China said that such actions by the US and its allies, including the Philippines, were provocative, aimed at deterring Beijing and threatening regional security.

It is worth noting that the Philippines is the oldest US treaty ally in Asia. Washington has warned that it is committed to helping defend the Philippines if its forces, aircraft and ships are attacked, including in the disputed South China Sea.

The Asian country is also negotiating a similar agreement with Japan and France.

Source: Associated Press News