The Philippines proposes establishing a coalition to counteract China's influences.
Due to the ongoing conflicts in the South China Sea, the Filipinos are fed up with China's actions. Defense Minister Teodoro Jr. suggested a collective action by various nations against Beijing. According to Manila, mere statements aren't enough to resolve the issue.
Filipino Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. criticized China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and urged for a stronger global response to Beijing's expansionist movements in the region. He labeled China as the main disruptor of peace in Southeast Asia during an international military conference in Manila, where military delegates and senior diplomats from the U.S. and other allies were present.
His remarks followed a recent incident at the Sabina Shoal, an uninhabited atoll that both China and the Philippines claim. Philippines reported that 40 Chinese vessels obstructed two Philippine ships transporting supplies to a Philippine coast guard vessel.
China, however, blamed Manila for initiating the confrontation. Over the past few months, both countries have frequently sent their coast guards to Sabina, each wary of the other attempting to seize the atoll and construct structures on it.
Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also have territorial claims in the South China Sea. The People's Republic claims almost the entire sea as its own territory.
Implementing a UN resolution challenging
On the sidelines of the conference, Teodoro pointed out that international condemnation of China's activities in disputed waters was "insufficient." The solution, he suggested, was a more forceful joint multilateral approach against China.
He proposed the possibility of a UN Security Council resolution urging China to halt its actions, but also acknowledged the challenge in implementing such a resolution. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds a veto power.
In response to tensions with China, the Philippines, among others, signed an agreement with Japan enabling soldiers to be deployed on each other's territories. Taiwan frequently reported provocative moves by the Chinese military. Beijing has made it clear that by force, if necessary, it will reunite the island, considered a wayward province, with the mainland.
The South China Sea remains a contentious issue, with Filipino Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighting China's disruptive role in Southeast Asia during the international military conference. Teodoro suggested a stronger global response, including the possibility of a UN Security Council resolution challenging China's actions, but acknowledged the challenge in implementing such a resolution due to China's veto power as a permanent member.
