Philippine Defense Chief Hopes for Taiwan-Philippines Exchange; Scholar: Enhancing Mutual Security is Crucial for Regional Stability

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed a desire for closer ties with Taiwan. Lai I-chung, CEO of the Prospect Foundation, who attended as a scholar, pointed out that Taiwan-Philippines cooperation is not aimed at opposing anyone, but at enhancing mutual security and maintaining regional stability. During the forum, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase military spending to counter China's growing influence. Lai noted that since events in the Taiwan Strait directly affect the security of the Philippines and Japan, the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait is beyond doubt. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun was absent for the second consecutive year, with Beijing sending only a delegation of experts and scholars.