US MARINE personnel prepared their armed vehicle for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense demonstration during the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises in Zambales. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

MANILA — The Philippines is not worried about any reduction in US deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific due to the war in the Middle East, its Defense secretary said on Tuesday, although he warned China could try and seize any perceived opening.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.’s comments came in an interview with Reuters amid annual joint military drills with the United States that have drawn the largest ever number of participating countries, including Japanese combat troops for the first time.

China’s recent actions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait were “not surprising,” Mr. Teodoro added, saying Beijing looked to take advantage when it thought rival powers were preoccupied elsewhere.

China has recently increased its naval presence around Taiwan, including the transit of an aircraft carrier through the Strait. It also installed a barrier this month at the mouth of the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters.

Manila and Beijing have been locked in a series of maritime confrontations in the South China Sea in recent years, which China claims almost entirely as its own despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated those claims.

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

Mr. Teodoro said he had full confidence in the Mutual Defense Treaty, the longstanding security pact between Manila and Washington, and was not worried by concerns that the Iran war could weaken US strategic bandwidth in Asia.

“I’m not concerned at all about reduced deterrence,” he said, pointing to the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises as a sign of Washington’s commitment.

China has previously criticized the joint military exercises conducted by the Philippines and its allies, saying they raise regional tensions. Its embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mr. Teodoro’s remarks.

Mr. Teodoro said the expanded participation in Balikatan reflects Manila’s broader push to build defense resilience through a network of like-minded partners, in the face of China’s increasingly assertive stance in the region. 

BALIKATAN LIVE-FIRE DRILLS
On the second week of the military exercises, more than 500 military personnel from the Philippines, the US, New Zealand and Australia, for the first time, coordinated a land and air live-fire drills, which simulated fighting against an adversary force.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US military said the live-fire drills entailed detection of a dynamic notional enemy and utilization of missile systems, fighter jets, mortars, and machine guns.

“By integrating fires from land, air, and maritime forces, we are able to detect, engage, and neutralize potential threats approaching from the sea, ensuring that any attempt to breach our coastline is met with a swift and unified response,” Philippine Balikatan Spokesperson Marine Colonel Dennis F. Hernandez was quoted as saying in a separate AFP statement.

The training, led by the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade, involved a simulated opposing assault ship docking on the shore to bring out the detection and disruption skills of the participants towards hostile forces.

According to Mr. Hernandez, the multilateral drills held in Aborlan, Palawan on Monday enhanced the coordination and interoperability of the participating nations, ensuring their preparedness for maritime defense.

“Exercises like this ensure that we are prepared to protect our coastal communities and territorial integrity with precision, speed, and overwhelming coordination,” Mr. Hernandez said.

According to the AFP, the Philippine Air Force used FA-50 fighter jets for the exercises, while the US supplied High Mobility Rocket Systems.

JAPAN FRIGATES
Meanwhile, the Philippines and Japan are discussing a potential acquisition of frigates at both the secretary and ministerial levels, Mr. Teodoro said, adding that could be raised during upcoming talks with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is due to visit next week to observe the ongoing exercises.

Mr. Teodoro said the Philippines will take advantage of Japan’s decision to scrap longstanding restrictions on arms exports, a policy shift that broadens Manila’s access to defense equipment at a time of mounting security challenges in the region.

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

Japan has scrapped restrictions on overseas arms sales, opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapon. The move has been welcomed by several US allies as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies and the wars in Iran and Ukraine strain US weapons supplies. — Reuters with Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel

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