Philippines’ Teodoro issues ‘wake-up call’ for Asean unity to ‘resist coercion’
Analysts say the Philippine defence secretary was referring to Asean’s unity being challenged by China on the security and economic fronts

Speaking at a gathering of Asean defence ministers in Penang, Malaysia, on Wednesday, Teodoro said the actions of some states were reshaping global relations, without naming any country.
He warned against external attempts to split the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, stressing the need for collective resistance against coercion and greater cooperation on security matters.
“We should resist coercion in whatever form and exchange information on foreign activities that are inimical to our national interests,” Teodoro said.
Beijing has been accused of employing aggressive tactics against Philippine ships in the South China Sea – such as firing water cannons and high-intensity lasers and engaging in dangerous manoeuvres – in a bid to assert its territorial claims in the disputed waters.