Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said China’s actions in the South
China Sea and Taiwan Strait are “not surprising,” adding Beijing may exploit a
perceived opportunity as the US focuses on the Middle East. He said ASEAN
defense ministers agree the bloc needs a common position on the South China Sea,
despite differing national approaches. Teodoro also said he will seek ASEAN
backing for the Philippines’ UN Security Council bid and supports joint
exploration with China only if it renounces its claims.
