Philippines Vows to Resist China Despite Easing Tensions

The Philippines views China as a serious security threat despite the recent easing of tensions between Beijing and Washington, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore.

Teodoro said the Philippines remains under strong territorial and political pressure from China. "We have no choice but really to be resilient and to stand up against Chinese aggression", he said. Manila and Beijing have repeatedly clashed over competing claims in the South China Sea, which is also claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Teodoro stressed that US obligations to the Philippines under the mutual defense treaty remain unchanged and are further strengthened by cooperation with allies including Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

He also dismissed recent Chinese offers of fuel and fertilizer supplies during disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, saying these did not represent goodwill but an attempt by Beijing to advance its own interests.

(reuters, lud)