The Philippines says it is not concerned that the war in the Middle East will reduce U.S. military focus in the Indo-Pacific region.
The country’s defense secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, said April 28 he has full confidence in the country’s long-standing security pact with the United States.
“I’m not concerned at all about reduced deterrence,” Teodoro said, pointing to the ongoing Balikatan military exercises as proof of Washington’s commitment.
Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual exercise that has grown in size as regional security concerns have increased.
Teodoro warned, however, that China could try to take advantage of any perceived weakness or distraction elsewhere….