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

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Philippines Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro attends a media conference in Manila over an incident in the South China Sea involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in 2023. Photo: AP

Published: 4:03pm, 27 Feb 2025

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jnr has urged his Southeast Asian counterparts to boost the bloc’s unity, warning that a divided Asean risks weakening its ability to deal with growing security challenges in the region.

Analysts said Teodoro’s speech was meant to be a “wake-up call” as divisions within Asean, coupled with the growing influence of China and uncertainty over US policies under President Donald Trump, risked undermining the ability of the bloc to address Beijing’s assertive actions, particularly in the South China Sea.

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.