PHILIPPINE-US TIES
On the sidelines of the meeting, Manila and Washington announced the formation of a new military task force aimed at strengthening cooperation and boosting military readiness, particularly in the South China Sea.
China claims vast areas of the South China Sea, overlapping with territories claimed by four Southeast Asian nations – Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Philippine and Chinese vessels have had frequent confrontations in the disputed waters, particularly around the Spratly Islands.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro told CNA that respect for global norms must not depend on size or influence, emphasising adherence to international maritime law.
“This should not be bipolar balanced power. It should be exercised, but by all countries, whether big or small – with agency,” he said.
“There are great powers in the world. (But) they need to work under an agreed, clear and transparent set of rules and norms.”
MILITARY BUDGETS
Teodoro stated that the Philippines intends to boost its defence spending, although this will be implemented gradually due to fiscal constraints.
“We have to devote more resources to defence spending. My personal goal is to use New Zealand … as a model. It is more digestible for our economy,” he said. Wellington plans to double its military budget over the next eight years to 2 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).
Data from the World Bank Group showed the Philippines’ defence expenditure was 1.2 per cent of its GDP in 2023. Analysts have noted that this remains a relatively modest budget for a nation with strategic vulnerabilities.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/asean-defence-ministers-meeting-admm-plus-scs-5441881
