Philippines warns China may exploit US-South Korea drill cuts

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro warned that China could exploit the recent reduction and shortening of U.S.-South Korean military exercises to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific and test American deterrence. He said Beijing is quick to exploit perceived gaps, but added that Washington had given Manila definite assurances that its commitments under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty remain unchanged. The Philippines continues to expand military cooperation with the United States and other partners as tensions with China rise in the South China Sea, while also seeking stronger safeguards against foreign influence and espionage.