On August 27, 2024, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro publicly condemned China as the “biggest disruptor” of peace in Southeast Asia, highlighting the escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over contested waters and reefs in the South China Sea. His remarks were made during a conference hosted by the US Indo-Pacific Command, further emphasizing the growing concerns surrounding China’s assertive territorial claims in the region.
Teodoro’s statement comes in the wake of numerous confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels over the past year, which have raised alarm bells regarding the stability of maritime security in the area. The South China Sea is a critical waterway, rich in resources and vital for global shipping routes, yet it is at the center of competing territorial claims from several countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, which encompass nearly the entire sea, have been met with legal challenges. An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s claims lack legal standing, yet Beijing has continued to assert its dominance. This includes the construction of artificial islands and the militarization of these territories, further complicating an already tense situation. Teodoro noted that these actions infringe upon the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends approximately 370 kilometers (200 nautical miles) from its coastal waters.
“China… is the biggest disruptor of international peace in the ASEAN region,” Teodoro stated, pointing to the need for a collective response from other nations. He urged countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to vocally denounce China’s “illegal acts” and press for a unified stance against its aggressive behavior. “We need a collective consensus and a strong call out against China,” he emphasized, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Philippines against a more powerful adversary.
Teodoro’s comments came shortly after China reported that it had taken “control measures” against two Philippine Coast Guard vessels that attempted to enter waters near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The Philippine Coast Guard had dispatched these vessels to deliver supplies to one of their ships stationed at the reef. However, rough sea conditions coupled with an overwhelming Chinese presence forced them to abandon their mission. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, described the situation as “excessive,” indicating the significant number of Chinese ships that impeded their operations.
The Sabina Shoal, located about 140 kilometers (86 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan, has become a flashpoint in the maritime disputes. Both China and the Philippines have stationed coast guard vessels in the area, and there are growing fears that China may be planning to construct an artificial island there, similar to its previous actions in the Spratly Islands.
The relationship between the Philippines and China has soured under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which has taken a firmer stance against Chinese incursions in the contested waters. This shift in policy has been marked by a series of confrontations, including a June incident where a Philippine sailor reportedly lost a thumb during an altercation with China’s coast guard, which also involved the confiscation and destruction of Philippine equipment near Second Thomas Shoal.
The escalating tensions highlight the broader implications for regional stability in Southeast Asia, as nations grapple with China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. As the Philippines calls for international solidarity, the situation underscores the need for a united front among nations in the region to safeguard their maritime rights and maintain peace in the face of external pressures.