World · Singapore Bureau
Philippines warns China could exploit reduced US-Korean military drills
Manila's defence chief has raised concerns that Beijing might take advantage of any scaling back in US-South Korean joint exercises. He stressed Washington has reassured the Philippines that its security commitments remain firm.
LSN Singapore ·
The Philippines' Defence Secretary has flagged potential security risks stemming from reduced military exercises between the United States and South Korea, warning that China could seek to exploit such gaps in deterrence.
The defence official expressed concern that any pullback in joint US-South Korean drills could create openings for Beijing to press its interests in the region, particularly in contested waters where Manila has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels.
Despite these worries, the Philippines has received assurances from Washington that American defence commitments to Manila remain unaffected by any changes to its alliance arrangements elsewhere in Asia. The US has long maintained a substantial military presence in the Philippines and conducts regular joint exercises with Filipino forces.
The remarks underscore growing anxieties among US allies in Southeast Asia about potential shifts in American military posture, particularly amid reports of possible changes to US force deployments and training schedules across the region. The Philippines, which shares a mutual defence treaty with Washington, has increasingly relied on American support as tensions with China have escalated over the years.