PH Defense Chief: ASEAN convergence needed in changing int’l environment

Convergence among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states is necessary as the region faces changes in the "international environment, which pose challenges to the rights of smaller and archipelagic states."

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stressed this in his speech during the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM), which formally opened in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Wednesday.

"Against this backdrop, and in line with the Philippines' theme of navigating our future together, we humbly offer, in our capacity as Chair of the ADMM, three key messages to guide our discussions growing forward. First, in a fragmenting world, our internal stability and intra-ASEAN unity are vital, perhaps even in the future existential," he said.

The DND chief pointed out that it is only when all member states are united that they can effectively uphold ASEAN centrality, such as mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, and renunciation of the threat or use of force.

He said the regional bloc was founded on the belief that the region's strength lies in diversity.

"We must therefore not allow our differences to divide us from within. And where such differences exist, rather, including in the South China Sea, we shall settle them through peaceful and legal means," Teodoro said.

Teodoro said they welcome "efforts of our kin" in Cambodia and Thailand to maintain the ceasefire agreement and seek a peaceful and enduring solution to the current situation.

"For our part, the Philippines reaffirms its continued participation in the process settled by our leaders, the ASEAN Observer Team, with due regard for the sensitivities of all concerned,” he said.

Another important message is the need for functional cooperation, which “is essential to enhancing trust, maintaining trust and confidence among our defense establishments and producing purposive outcomes for our peoples," he said.

Through the ADMM and the ADMM Plus, Teodoro said significant strides are made in areas such as maritime security, the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.

"Amid supply chain challenges from conflicts beyond our shores, we also see value in expanding our cooperation to secure food and energy security. This initiative gains in importance as Southeast Asia braces for a super El Niño, which will likewise affect food, water, electricity, and connectivity in our respective countries, thereby having serious potential security implications,” he said.

And as defense and military practitioners, Teodoro said participants know what the existing threats are and how they affect the safety of all ASEAN citizens and the stability of the region.

"Therefore, we hope to foster an environment that is conducive to frank and open exchanges of views throughout the week in the spirit of candor and ASEAN solidarity," he added.

Arbitral award

Meanwhile, Teodoro, during a meeting with Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing a day prior to the ADMM opening in Cebu on Tuesday, highlighted the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award for its fundamental principles that will benefit ASEAN member states.

"The two met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and 13th ADMM Plus, where they also tackled regional defense and security challenges, particularly malign foreign interference and coercions at sea as experienced by the Philippines,” the DND said in a statement Wednesday.

Teodoro also promoted the Philippines' defense partnerships with Japan, Canada, South Korea, Australia, India and New Zealand and the possibilities for expanded practical cooperation, especially on developing capabilities and building supply chain resilience.

The DND said the meeting fostered closer defense cooperation between the two countries as they seek to promote sustained regional stability and security.