Amid escalating conflicts between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, on Tuesday, the Philippine Defense Minister stated that the defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States must be interpreted more broadly to address “dynamic and crafty adversaries”.
The United States and the Philippines are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). The treaty stipulates that in the event of an armed attack on the territory, armed forces, vessels, or aircraft of either party in the Pacific area, both parties shall take action to respond to the danger jointly.
According to reports from Reuters, the United States has repeatedly assured the Philippines that the defense partnership between the two countries is unbreakable. However, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro called for a more “dynamic” interpretation of the treaty to avoid falling into “China’s trap”.
Speaking at a military forum organized by the US Indo-Pacific Command, Teodoro mentioned that discussions are ongoing among partner countries regarding this possibility.
“The Mutual Defense Treaty should be interpreted dynamically,” he stated at the forum.
Teodoro continued, “The greatest risk we face is the narrowing of our operational space, which may be contrary to the expansionist practices of potential aggressors.”
He also urged regional countries to condemn China’s provocations in the South China Sea, referring to China as “the biggest disruptor of peace”.
“I believe they (China) are not unstoppable, as this is a matter that requires global consensus,” Teodoro emphasized.
He added that the Philippines must establish a sufficient deterrent militarily, either through cooperation or independently, to show China that the Philippines is serious about protecting its sovereignty and will fight for it.
Over the past week, there have been a series of maritime and aerial standoffs between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. On Sunday (August 25), a collision occurred between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine ships, marking the third clash in the region within a week.
On Monday, there was another clash between Chinese and Philippine vessels. China accused two Philippine Coast Guard ships of “illegally intruding” near Thitu Reef and took “control” in accordance with the law. The Philippines, on the other hand, accused China of deploying coast guard ships to obstruct a resupply mission.
US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Samuel Paparo stated on Tuesday that providing escort for Philippine vessels carrying out resupply missions in the South China Sea is a “completely justified choice”.
During the forum, Paparo told reporters that this choice requires negotiations between the two countries.
The South China Sea is a crucial waterway for over $3 trillion in annual shipping trade. China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. However, an international arbitration tribunal has declared China’s claims to be unfounded.
The Philippines allows the US military access to nine military bases in the country. This arrangement is aimed at enabling the United States to provide rapid disaster relief and humanitarian aid and respond to emergencies in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.