Philippines Shifts Defense Focus to External Threats Amid Tensions in West Philippine Sea
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday confirmed a major shift in the Philippines’ defense policy under the Marcos administration, emphasizing a stronger focus on external and territorial defense — a departure from previous internal security priorities.
In a televised interview, Secretary Teodoro described the policy change as a “major shift,” stating, “The President’s statements were clear — we would be unyielding and resistant to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). And we’ve been gearing up towards that mission.”
Historically, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) focused on land-based and internal threats, including insurgency. However, Teodoro emphasized that under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership, there is now an explicit emphasis on safeguarding the nation’s maritime territories amid rising tensions in the region.
The Philippines has long been embroiled in a territorial dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea (SCS), particularly areas within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Philippines won an international arbitration case in The Hague rejecting China’s sweeping claims within the so-called “nine-dash line.” However, China has refused to recognize the ruling.
Teodoro underscored the disparity between the two countries’ claims: “Might I underscore to our people that their (China’s) claim is not merely sovereign rights, but indisputable sovereignty and territorial integrity over all waters within the nine-dash line, while in accordance with UNCLOS, our claim is sovereign rights. So there is a big difference in that.”
The DND chief also noted a “big shift” in the Philippines’ international engagement, highlighting strengthened alliances aimed at upholding international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He expressed skepticism about Beijing’s intentions. “I really am quite skeptical about any good faith on China’s part, unless they change that position because it is totally unacceptable and illegal,” he added.
As regional maritime security remains a critical issue, the Marcos administration’s pivot to external defense signals a more assertive stance in protecting Philippine sovereignty and aligning with global norms on maritime law.
