Philippines Vows to Counter China's Potential Air Defense Zone in Disputed Waters

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed serious concern over China's potential moves to establish an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea, labeling this scenario as a significant violation of international law and a threat to global trade. In an interview with The Associated Press, Teodoro discussed the rising tension in the region following recent aerial confrontations involving Philippine, US, Australian, and Chinese aircraft.

Teodoro identified increasing Chinese aggression and expansionism in the disputed waters as the primary external security threat to the Philippines and called on the international community to recognize it as a global issue. He criticized China's attempts to modify international law and the world order through aggressive actions aimed at consolidating regional control.

Recent incidents underscore the growing tension in the region, such as a close encounter between a Chinese navy helicopter and a Philippine patrol plane during surveillance operations near Scarborough Shoal. Similar incidents involving Australian and US military aircraft have heightened regional concerns about China's potentially dangerous military behavior.

Teodoro explained that defense officials have actively prepared strategic responses to any potential Chinese attempt to restrict movement in the contested region through air defense zones or similar exclusionary measures. Although he did not detail the exact nature of these contingency measures, he highlighted the importance of cooperating with allied nations in countering any provocative actions.

In 2013, China established a controversial Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea, which other countries, including the US, Japan, and Australia, largely ignored. Another such attempted declaration in the South China Sea could provoke strong reactions from a coalition of countries committed to protecting freedom of navigation and global maritime security.

Teodoro emphasized that coalitions and alliances among nations committed to upholding international maritime security standards, including the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia, have naturally evolved in response to China's assertive moves. He dismissed Beijing’s previous claims that the US and its allies are unfairly targeting China, attributing the rise of collective pushback directly to China's aggressive policies.

Despite uncertainties about future US commitments under shifting American policies, Teodoro affirmed that the long-standing Filipino-American security relationship remains robust and is likely to endure given its deep historical roots and mutual strategic interests.