Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro said today (September 9) in Seoul at the “2025 Seoul Security Dialogue” that the Chinese Communist Party is closely observing the international response to the Russia-Ukraine war and may decide its next actions in Southeast Asia or Northeast Asia based on this.
Teodoro pointed out that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is testing the international order and the ability and determination of the United Nations to maintain peace. He said that some major powers see this war as a test.
For example, the Chinese Communist Party may be thinking, “If I act in Southeast Asia, will there be no consequences? If I take action in Northeast Asia, will I escape sanctions? Will the United Nations send troops as it did 75 years ago?”
Teodoro mentioned that in 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea, the United Nations called on North Korea to withdraw its troops to no avail, eventually authorizing the formation of a coalition force to assist South Korea in combat.
Currently, the Chinese Communist Party has sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, and in Northeast Asia, it disputes the Diaoyu Islands with Japan and continues to engage in military intimidation towards Taiwan.
Teodoro emphasized that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war extends beyond Europe and affects other countries including the Philippines. It involves energy supplies, the safety of overseas workers, and may even turn the battlefield into a testing ground for new deadly weapons.
When asked if there were military communication channels between the Philippines and China to prevent accidental conflicts, he said that Manila only has diplomatic connections with Beijing, and the Department of National Defense and the military do not have direct communication. “Because we don’t see the value in opening such channels.”
Teodoro criticized the Chinese Communist Party for exploiting the Philippines’ democratic system and freedom of action to engage in activities that endanger national security, including infiltrating critical infrastructure, communities, and even manipulating public opinion.
He also pointed out that the regions where tensions are escalating in the South China Sea are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, China has no right to enforce laws in these areas, let alone build artificial islands. The Philippines has tried in the past to resolve disputes through cooperation and negotiation but without success. Now, it can only rely on strengthening its military power, cooperating with allies to establish deterrence, and making diplomatic negotiations more equal.
Teodoro warned that accommodating or appeasing stronger countries will only embolden them further. He emphasized that the Philippines must work hand in hand with allies to jointly safeguard regional security.