Philippine Defence Chief Calls for Strong ASEAN Cohesion amid Regional Security Challenges

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

Philippine Defence Minister Teodoro Gilbert Jr called on all Southeast Asian nations to present a solid front. He mentioned that a divided ASEAN would not be able to face the ever-increasing security threats, with increasingly dubious tensions in the South China Sea.

While addressing an assembly of ASEAN defence ministers in Penang, Malaysia, Teodoro highlighted the necessity of regional cooperation to withstand the external pressures that he did not identify. However, he pointed out that some of the states were transforming global relations that could weaken ASEAN.

A Call for Action Against Coercion

He mentioned that ASEAN must work together to resist coercion and to share intelligence on foreign activities that are possibly harmful to national interests.

“Silence in the face of violations diminishes Asean,” Teodoro quoted from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

His remarks are expected in light of the rising tensions between China and the Philippines over reports that China has employed aggressive tactics in challenging Philippine vessels within the confines of water cannons, lasers, and dangerous navigation.

Enhanced Military Cooperation

Teodoro implored ASEAN members to step up joint military patrols, intelligence-sharing, and training exercises to meet these threats. He warned that the bloc was going to lose its voice in global security matters if it remained divided.

China’s Rising Influence in the Neighborhood

In addition, the fast-growing economic muscle of China has made many nations in Southeast Asia reliant on investments from it, which has given China strong levers on ASEAN, according to analysts.

“China’s economic strength thus created security dilemmas for the smaller Southeast Asian nations,” said Chester Cabalza, a security expert from the Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation.

China claims almost the entire area of the South China Sea under its controversial “nine-dash line” doctrine, rejecting a 2016 international ruling invalidating these claims. Meanwhile, countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia continually dispute the assertion of Beijing.

Asean and Its Struggle to Achieve Unity

According to experts, ASEAN’s ability to respond to security threats is impaired:

Keep Reading

Economic dependence on China

The growing military and economic power of China

Poor consensus building among ASEAN member countries

Chris Gardiner, chief executive officer of the Institute for Regional Security, pointed out that some nations of ASEAN have their priorities on monetary assistance from China rather than on regional security, which makes it hard to deliver a uniform response.

Does the Philippines Lead ASEAN?

There are many challenges, but for analysts, the Philippines plays a vital role in diplomacy for ASEAN unity. Its strategy for transparency in the West Philippine Sea inspires the other countries to strive for being economically independent and towards coming up with an overdue South China Sea Code of Conduct.

Desk Writer

Spends most of the time reading news all around the world. Strong knowledge and understanding of the current situation and happenings in the ASEAN region.

Recent Posts

Upcoming Fireworks Festival Display on 26th July 2025 in Japan

The firework festival that is celebrated across Japan traces its roots back to the 18th century of the Kyoho famine.…

July 25, 2025

Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Rejecting ASEAN Ceasefire Deal Over Border Conflict

This escalation of a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has gained momentum and is becoming a serious threat, as…

July 25, 2025

India’s Splendid All-Rounder Veda Krishnamurthy Bids an Emotional Farewell to Her Professional Cricket

Sports is one such profession where an individual announces their retirement even before their forties. It might be a pricking…

July 25, 2025

‘Dreamy Day’ Mun Ka Young Locks the Date of Her Debut Fan Meet in Asia

Moon Ga Young, anchored herself as a charming, versatile actress with a strong screen presence in the South Korean entertainment…

July 25, 2025

AFF U-23 2025 Championship: Vietnam U23 Landed in Finals! Who is the Counter Part?

Hope, courage and a wave of positivity is circled around the stadium within the team and among the fans who…

July 25, 2025

Prize Distribution and Ranking Points Revealed for China Open 2025

BWF China Open, one of the most important tournaments of world badminton calendars, was formally started on July 22 and…

July 25, 2025