CANBERRA — The Philippines is facing intensified pressure from China to abandon its claims in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro revealed on Tuesday following a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles in Canberra. Teodoro labeled the Philippines as a “victim of Chinese aggression” as Beijing escalates its demands.
This meeting, the fifth since August 2023, underscores the growing security partnership between the Philippines and Australia in response to China’s assertive actions in the disputed waters. The two countries signed a strategic partnership in September 2023 and have since conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea. The Philippines also participated in military exercises in Australia for the first time this year.
China’s foreign ministry responded, asserting that its actions are a defensive response to Philippine “provocations” and warned against further escalation.
Rising Tensions Over Scarborough Shoal
The ongoing dispute includes China’s establishment of territorial baselines around Scarborough Shoal, a contested area that China seized from the Philippines in 2012. The Philippine national maritime council condemned China’s new baselines, calling them a violation of Philippine sovereignty and a continuation of China’s illegal occupation of the shoal.
In a show of force, China has deployed larger, long-range vessels and agile patrol boats to intensify surveillance and enforcement in the South China Sea. The Global Times, a state-backed publication, reported that these vessels would enable pursuit, interception, and boarding inspections of targets in the region.
International Law and Defense Partnerships
The Philippines cites the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea. Teodoro emphasized that China’s activities lack international support and contravene established maritime law, asserting that alliances with countries like Australia serve as a deterrent to Chinese incursions.
Teodoro also announced that the Philippines plans to strengthen its defense with a $33 billion investment in advanced weaponry, including fighter jets and mid-range missiles. Meanwhile, Marles confirmed that Australia would expand defense collaboration with the Philippines, with plans to send an engineering assessment team early next year.