National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea. China asserts dominance over nearly the entire sea, encroaching on the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and has been constructing structures on disputed shoals.
Teodoro emphasized the need for the Philippines to protect its exclusive economic zone, particularly in light of climate change challenges facing its archipelago. He noted that the Philippines has sought resolution through negotiations and previously pursued an arbitration case under international law.
Teodoro defined success as halting China's expansion and preventing further construction of artificial islands in the region, indicating a protracted struggle ahead