In Manila, the Philippines has indicated that it will collaborate with its security allies to counteract any moves by China to establish an air defense zone or limit the freedom of flights across the South China Sea. This stance follows recent confrontations involving Chinese aircraft and those from the Philippines, Australia, and the United States.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro highlighted that the growing aggression from China in these waters is currently viewed as the most significant threat to the Philippines’ national security. He emphasized that this issue extends beyond national borders and should be a global concern, given its potential to disrupt a key trade route vital for international supply chains.
“China’s escalating aggression, expansionism, and efforts to alter international laws through coercion or the imposition of a new world order under its control represent the greatest external threat,” Teodoro stated.
The situation has been exacerbated by recent conflicts in the region, with numerous confrontations occurring between Chinese forces and those of the Philippines over the past two years. These tensions also involve other nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, all with vested interests in the disputed territories.
Recent incidents have seen Chinese military aircraft issuing warning flares or flying precariously close to foreign patrol planes in an effort to deter them, raising new concerns about safety and diplomatic relations.
In particular, defense discussions in the Philippines have focused on the possibility of China creating an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) or exclusion zone to restrict foreign aircraft movement within what it claims as its airspace above the South China Sea. This scenario poses a serious violation of international law, demanding Philippines’ response, Teodoro warned.
“The Philippines is considering a range of measures, both independently and with allied nations, to counter any such advances by China,” Teodoro said without providing details on the planned strategies.
In a recent episode, a Philippine patrol plane experienced a tense 30-minute standoff when a Chinese helicopter approached dangerously close, flying within three meters. The Philippine pilot warned the Chinese aircraft via radio, highlighting the dangerous proximity.
Australia has lodged its own protests after a Chinese fighter jet reportedly launched flares alarmingly close by, endangering an Australian surveillance jet flying in international airspace over contested waters. In response, China claimed the Australian aircraft intruded deliberately into its prospective jurisdiction.
Similar perilous encounters have been reported by the U.S. military as well, amidst its consistent dispatch of fighter jets and navy ships to uphold navigation freedom over these waters. Historically, China declared an ADIZ over the East China Sea in 2013, encompassing territories contested with Japan, igniting a strong international backlash as several countries, including the US and Japan, ignored these territorial claims.
The Philippine defense secretary acknowledged emerging security alliances in the region, including the U.S., Japan, and Australia. He suggested that these networks could evolve into a broader coalition to counter China’s mounting territorial pursuits in the future.
Chinese officials, for their part, accuse the U.S. and its allies of colluding to undermine Beijing’s influence and disrupt regional stability. However, Teodoro countered that China’s actions have, in fact, prompted like-minded nations to unify against what they perceive as unacceptable conduct.
Despite uncertainties surrounding U.S. security policies under prior administrations, Teodoro remains optimistic about the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the U.S., emphasizing its longstanding, robust nature. He believes that the alliance has weathered numerous challenges and will continue to be a cornerstone of regional security.
