Philippines Dismisses Fears of Reduced US Focus Amid Iran Conflict

The Philippines says it is not concerned that the war in the Middle East will reduce U.S. military focus in the Indo-Pacific region.

The country’s defense secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, said April 28 he has full confidence in the country’s long-standing security pact with the United States.

“I’m not concerned at all about reduced deterrence,” Teodoro said, pointing to the ongoing Balikatan military exercises as proof of Washington’s commitment.

Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual exercise that has grown in size as regional security concerns have increased.

Teodoro warned, however, that China could try to take advantage of any perceived weakness or distraction elsewhere.

“It is not surprising that any opportunity they see, perceived opportunity, or with a perceived weakness or a perceived opening, they will take advantage,” Teodoro said.

China’s recent actions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan were “not surprising,” he added.

Earlier this month, satellite images reviewed by Reuters showed China installing a floating barrier at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite a 2016 international ruling that rejected those claims. The Philippines and China have had repeated confrontations in the area.

Teodoro spoke during this year’s Balikatan drills, which have been the largest so far. More than 17,000 troops from seven countries—the Philippines, the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand—are taking part.

Japanese combat troops are joining the exercises for the first time.

The expanded participation shows the Philippines’ push to build stronger defense ties with like-minded countries amid tensions with China.

The Philippines and Japan are discussing the possible purchase of Japanese frigates. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is due to visit next week to observe the drills, where the issue may be raised.

Teodoro welcomed Japan’s recent decision to lift long-standing restrictions on arms exports. On April 21, Japan scrapped limits that had mainly allowed only non-lethal equipment to be sold overseas.

“The Japanese have a track record of affordable, high-quality equipment, which I do not see why they cannot extend to the defense space,” Teodoro said. “Since this space is opening up, we’re very excited.”

The Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States was signed in 1951. It states that an armed attack on either country in the Pacific would be considered dangerous to both, and they would act together to meet the threat.

Reuters contributed to this report.