The Philippines has warned that China could use changes in U.S.-South Korean military exercises as an opportunity to strengthen its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting growing concerns over regional deterrence and security cooperation.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro made the remarks on Monday, September 7, during the Seoul Defense Dialogue in South Korea. He said Beijing could interpret reductions in joint U.S.-South Korean military activities as an opening to expand its influence across the region.

Manila Sees a Wider Regional Security Challenge

Teodoro stressed that Washington had reassured Manila that its defense commitments to the Philippines remain in place despite changes to military exercises with South Korea.

The Philippines and the United States continue to maintain close military cooperation under their long-standing alliance. Manila has also expanded defense relationships with other countries as it seeks to strengthen its ability to respond to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The warning comes as countries across Asia reassess their defense strategies amid increasing competition between China and the United States. The South China Sea remains a particularly sensitive area, with competing territorial claims and repeated confrontations involving maritime forces.

Philippines Deepens Security Partnerships

Teodoro also pointed to growing defense cooperation between the Philippines and countries including Canada, New Zealand, France and Britain. Manila has increasingly pursued a wider network of security partnerships rather than relying on a single strategic relationship.

The Philippine defense chief said China’s growing assertiveness was encouraging countries in the region to strengthen their collective security capabilities.

South Korea is also becoming an increasingly important defense partner for Manila. Teodoro’s participation in the Seoul Defense Dialogue is part of efforts to deepen bilateral security cooperation, with discussions expected to cover military technology, equipment and broader regional security.

South China Sea Remains a Major Concern

The Philippines has continued to face tensions with China over disputed areas of the South China Sea. Manila has sought stronger international partnerships while maintaining its position on maritime sovereignty.

Teodoro also expressed caution regarding possible cooperation with China on oil and gas projects in disputed waters, saying unresolved sovereignty issues remain a major obstacle.

The Philippines is simultaneously reviewing longer-term military modernization plans, including possible submarine capabilities, while exploring additional defense technologies and equipment with regional partners.

A More Connected Indo-Pacific Security Network

The Philippine warning reflects a broader trend in which countries across the Indo-Pacific are increasing military cooperation as strategic competition intensifies.

For Manila, the objective is not simply to expand its own military capabilities but also to build a broader network of partnerships capable of supporting regional deterrence. Teodoro’s comments suggest that the Philippines sees changes in one part of the U.S. alliance network as potentially affecting the wider regional security balance.

With the Seoul Defense Dialogue running from September 7 to 9, discussions among defense officials are expected to keep the focus on cooperation, deterrence and the evolving security environment across Asia.