Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged greater unity among middle powers during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31, describing the Philippines as a convergence point in a fragmented world.
Teodoro spoke at the final plenary session titled Evolving Security Partnerships in a Fragmented World. He stressed that the Philippines would uphold its sovereign rights based on international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The defense secretary highlighted the country’s network of partners and its role as ASEAN chair in 2026. He noted ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines supported by ties with the United States, Japan, Australia and others.
Teodoro warned that negotiations with China have served as a means of gaining advantage rather than resolving conflict. As he spoke, Philippine officials confirmed reports of new structures at Scarborough Shoal.
The address built on earlier remarks by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at prior regional forums emphasizing the need for like-minded nations to act together.
