Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said all countries must increase their defence spending to ensure national security and stability.
The call for higher military investment comes as Southeast Asian nations navigate escalating territorial disputes. Teodoro's remarks signal a shift toward more aggressive self-reliance and collective deterrence in the face of regional instability.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, 2024 [1], Teodoro said the responsibility to build national defence is universal and that no single nation is exempt from this requirement.
"It is imperative of all countries to increase their defence spending," Teodoro said. "There is no one country that is exempt from building your own national defence" [1].
Teodoro linked the need for increased spending to the activities of China in the region. He identified the growth of Chinese influence as a destabilizing force, specifically citing the South China Sea.
"China’s expansionism is the source of tension in the South China Sea," Teodoro said [1].
In addition to calling for budget increases, the defence secretary defended recent military exercises conducted with allies. He framed these joint operations as necessary measures to counter perceived expansionism and to strengthen the overall defence capabilities of the Philippines and its partners.
The remarks highlight the Philippines' strategy of balancing diplomatic engagement with a visible increase in military readiness. By advocating for a broader regional increase in spending, Teodoro is pushing for a shared burden of deterrence against territorial incursions [1].
“"It is imperative of all countries to increase their defence spending."”
Teodoro's statements reflect a broader strategic pivot by the Philippines to move away from reliance on a few key allies and toward a model of systemic regional deterrence. By framing defence spending as a global imperative, the Philippines is attempting to legitimize its own military buildup and encourage neighboring states to similarly arm themselves to offset China's maritime influence.
