Philippine President Marcos Jr. Urges Military to Stand Firm Against External Threats, Targeting China's South China Sea Actions

MANILA, July 7 (CNA) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presided over the military's first-half command conference today, instructing the armed forces to remain firm in their actions against external threats. Although no specific country was named, the briefing focused on China's actions in the South China Sea, its united front work, and foreign malign operations.

The command conference was held at the General Headquarters, presided over by Marcos Jr., with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., and other senior security officials in attendance.

Brawner stated at a post-conference press briefing that he reported to the President on the achievements of internal and external security operations. External security primarily focused on the situation in the 'West Philippine Sea,' while internal security concentrated on the clearing operations against the New People's Army and terrorist organizations.

The 'West Philippine Sea' is the official name used by the Philippines for its claimed waters in the South China Sea, generally encompassing the exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles from its baseline.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea. Brawner accused China of continuing to employ 'illegal, intimidating, intrusive, and deceptive' tactics against the Philippines in the South China Sea, but emphasized that the Philippines has the support of many like-minded countries.

During the meeting, the military also reported to Marcos Jr. that agencies such as the Navy, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources continue to conduct maritime patrols and engage in 'Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activities' (MMCA) and joint exercises with like-minded countries, including the United States.

Brawner stated that Marcos Jr.'s instructions were clear: to maintain a firm defense externally, consolidate achievements in combating communist guerrillas and terrorist organizations internally, and strengthen responses to China's united front work and other foreign malign operations.

Teodoro stated that facing increasing pressure from China in the South China Sea, legal or diplomatic means alone are insufficient, and building credible deterrence capabilities is crucial.

He added that not only the Philippines but also many countries without territorial disputes with China are strengthening their defense capabilities in response to changes in the international security environment.

When asked if military communication between the Philippines and China might be maintained, Teodoro admitted that both sides indeed need to maintain communication channels. However, due to China's lack of goodwill and disrespect for Philippine territorial integrity, it is difficult to engage in further negotiations at this stage. Regarding how China should demonstrate goodwill, Teodoro said that China should cease its actions in the South China Sea and withdraw from the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

When asked by the media if Taiwan was discussed during the meeting, Teodoro replied: 'No.' (Editor: Tian Rui-hua) 1150707

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