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Philippines Adopts Deng Xiaoping's 'Bide Time' Strategy Against China in South China Sea

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro invoked Deng Xiaoping's strategy of "patiently biding time" to counter China's pressure in the South China Sea.
  • Teodoro stated that Manila must prevent China's "incremental" expansion in its exclusive economic zone and build capacity to enforce the 2016 arbitral ruling.
  • The Philippines aims to deter China's claims and is strengthening its alliance with the U.S. while expanding cooperation with like-minded nations like Japan and Australia.

Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro has adopted a long-term strategy, echoing former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's philosophy of "patiently biding time," to counter China's persistent assertiveness in the South China Sea. In an interview with Newsweek, Teodoro emphasized the need for patience and resolve in a protracted contest with Beijing.

Teodoro highlighted China's attempts to incrementally expand its presence within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, stressing Manila's imperative to halt this "creeping" approach. Simultaneously, the Philippines is focused on building its capacity to enforce the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated many of China's expansive claims. The primary objective, he clarified, is not to escalate confrontation but to prevent China from advancing its claims further.

Be patient, bide your time

— Gilberto TeodoroPhilippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro quoting Deng Xiaoping to describe the Philippines' long-term strategy against China in the South China Sea.

Acknowledging the Philippines' reliance on China for certain consumer goods and defense supply chains, Teodoro noted Beijing's use of gray-zone tactics, "wolf warrior" diplomacy, disinformation, and land acquisitions to exert influence. He stressed that national will and patience are paramount for the Philippines, which cannot expect a swift resolution but must continuously build its strength.

We must play the same long game with China.

— Gilberto TeodoroPhilippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro explaining the necessity of a protracted approach to counter China's actions in the South China Sea.

Expressing confidence in the U.S.-Philippines alliance, Teodoro pointed to the largest-ever joint military exercises held this year and ongoing efforts to deepen military cooperation. The Philippines is also expanding security partnerships with Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand to collectively safeguard Indo-Pacific security. Defense spending is targeted to increase from 1.6% to at least 2% of GDP, with a focus on modernizing the military, including asymmetric warfare capabilities like drones, to defend its vast archipelago and manage disaster relief operations.

Teodoro also indicated the Philippines' interest in joining the U.S.-led "Pax Silica" initiative to strengthen global tech supply chains. He reiterated that these measures are defensive, aimed at "resistance and deterrence" against China's offensive actions. As the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral ruling approaches, the Philippines remains committed to upholding its maritime rights through enhanced military capabilities, deepened alliances, and sustained deterrence.

resistance and deterrence

— Gilberto TeodoroPhilippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro describing the Philippines' actions in the South China Sea as defensive measures against Chinese aggression.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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