Philippine Defense Sec: Don’t Expect Trump to Demand Protection Payment

Photo : AP

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed his belief that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration would not demand the Philippines pay more for military protection, despite both nations facing a shared threat from China. Teodoro made these remarks during a news conference with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, following an inaugural bilateral annual meeting aimed at strengthening security ties between the two countries.

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When asked whether Trump might expect the Philippines to follow the same pattern as Taiwan, in paying for U.S. protection, Teodoro responded: "I really don't expect some sort of statement from Trump, hopefully not." He emphasized that he did not have any preconditions or assumptions regarding the outcome of the administration. "What we are working on is institutional ties and continuing our partnership," Teodoro added.

He noted that both the Philippines and the United States have a vested interest in maintaining their relationship, largely due to shared threats, particularly China’s growing military activities in the South China Sea. "It is undoubtedly the overreach and the aggressive and illegal activities of China," Teodoro stated, referring to the rising tensions in the region.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles echoed Teodoro’s sentiment, stating that Australia was confident its alliance with the U.S. would remain strong, regardless of the presidential election outcome. "What we see in the election of President Trump and in the formation of his administration is an administration which will maintain America’s role of leadership in the world, which is important for maintaining the global rules-based order," Marles said. This, he noted, is crucial for Australia’s national interests.

Teodoro’s comments come amid increasing confrontations in the South China Sea, where clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces have escalated. The Philippines has recently taken a strong stance against China’s territorial claims in the disputed waters. Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two laws reaffirming the country’s maritime rights, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws angered China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, as they further solidify Manila’s rejection of Beijing’s territorial claims.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded by summoning the Philippine ambassador to lodge a formal protest, calling the legislation an attempt to reinforce the ruling of the South China Sea arbitration case, which China rejects. The escalating confrontations in the region have raised concerns that the U.S., as the Philippines' long-time ally, could be drawn into a potential conflict.

The signing of the laws by Marcos in a televised ceremony was attended by senior military and national security officials and sent a clear message about the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its territorial integrity. The laws stipulate jail terms and heavy fines for violations of Philippine maritime claims, further heightening tensions with China over the contested waterway.

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