The Philippines remains under "severe threat" from China, its defense minister said, despite a recent thaw in U.S.-China tensions.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said it was natural for major powers to ease tensions, but smaller nations like the Philippines have no choice but to stand firm.
"We are under severe threat territorially and politically by China. We must be resilient and resist Chinese aggression."
The two countries have faced repeated maritime standoffs in the South China Sea, where Beijing presses expansive claims rejected by a 2016 arbitration ruling.
Teodoro said U.S. commitments under the mutual defense treaty remain solid, bolstered by ties with Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
"The U.S. commitment becomes stronger when more actors come in against a common threat."
Manila's policy is to build resilience, strengthen alliances, and rapidly upgrade defense infrastructure.
Teodoro dismissed Chinese aid offers as "guileful," saying no long-term good faith is shown.
He also ruled out running for president in 2028.
