Teodoro urges Asean to unite vs SCS ‘violations’

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday warned the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) against remaining silent in the face of violations as he rallied his counterparts to unite in addressing security challenges, such as the issue in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Penang, Malaysia, Teodoro pointed out the need for Asean “to remain cohesive and proactive in upholding regional stability.”

He cited that Asean has ensured the longest period of peace in any region since World War II.

“However, this peace is now under threat—not due to our incapacity to preserve it, but because of the absence of unanimity on key issues,” Teodoro said.

“Silence in the face of violations diminishes Asean,” he said, quoting President Marcos’ speech at the Asean Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

Existential right

The defense chief told his counterparts that the ongoing threats to Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea were not merely a domestic or regional concern but a “global issue” that impacts the stability of the international system.

“At the heart of this matter is the existential right of smaller states—Asean member states in particular—to live in peace, secure their borders and pursue their own destiny,” Teodoro said.

While he did not directly mention Beijing, regional tensions have escalated due to the Asian superpower’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing has repeatedly ignored a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its claims in the strategic waterway.

Teodoro urged Asean to strengthen operational cooperation by expanding joint patrols, exercises, and intelligence-sharing to build trust among regional defense forces.

He also warned against external attempts to sow division within Southeast Asia.

“We should resist coercion in whatever form and exchange information on foreign activities that are inimical to our national interests, such as online scams, trafficking in persons, [and] illegal migration, which destroy the fabric of our respective societies,” he said.

Teodoro reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

“We may not always agree, but the spirit of Asean compels us to cooperate where we can, consult where necessary, and act when we must,” he added.

(2025/02/28-05:48)