Philippines defence chief says China needs to overcome ‘deficit of trust’

China faces a “lack of trust and credibility” that it must address to repair its strained defence relations with the Philippines, yet any significant progress in the immediate future appears improbable, Manila’s leading defence official stated on Saturday.

Defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro informed that the risk posed by China’s expanding military strength was “undeniable,” reflecting remarks made by Pete Hegseth, his U.S. treaty ally counterpart.

“China’s activities are getting more expansive and more aggressive. Their demonstrations of force are getting more frequent, and in the West Philippine Sea, we are getting used to their activities, but they have expanded the areas where they are doing it,” he said, referring to the South China Sea.

During a comprehensive interview on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defense meeting in Singapore, Teodoro expressed his frustration regarding interactions with Chinese military counterparts, who seldom deviate from their scripted talking points and propaganda, representing an institution that functions to support the Communist Party leadership.

“I believe my foreign affairs colleagues are trying their level best to engage China. But on the defence side, what we have seen is that China has to overcome a deficit of trust and credibility,” he said.

“They continue their activities while gaslighting us that because the proximity and the defensive capabilities of the Philippines are not on par with Vietnam, so they choose us as an easy target.”

But Teodoro said both the United States and the Philippines wanted to peacefully deter China and he remained confident in Washington’s security commitments after meeting Hegseth in Singapore.

The Philippines has been among the most vocal critics of China’s growing assertion of sovereignty in the South China Sea, in contrast to some of its neighbours like Malaysia, who have adopted a more cautious stance.

“No country in ASEAN is subjected to the same amount of intense activities in all fronts by China, but the Philippines,” said Teodoro.

Earlier this month, China’s foreign ministry called on the Philippines to cease provocations in the South China Sea, while officials have often charged the U.S. with fostering discord in the area. China asserts ownership over nearly the whole South China Sea, even though there are conflicting claims from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

A 2016 decision from an international arbitration tribunal stated that Beijing’s assertions, grounded in its historical maps, lack validity under international law, a ruling China does not accept.