Philippines defence chief backs US calls for higher military spending, says allies must pull their weight

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr called on nations to increase defence spending, echoing US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push for allies to allocate 3.5% of GDP to military budgets. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, Teodoro argued that no country could afford to neglect defence, stressing that ASEAN’s collective security depended on stronger individual capabilities. He rejected the idea that higher spending was an ‘entry fee’ for US engagement, instead framing it as a shared responsibility, noting that the US would not act as a sole protector if allies failed to contribute equally. Teodoro highlighted the war in Ukraine as a warning, stating that conflicts could emerge unexpectedly anywhere. He urged Southeast Asian nations to invest in deterrent capabilities and accelerate military modernisation, warning that delays risked falling behind in technological advancements. While acknowledging that 3.5% GDP spending was challenging for many ASEAN economies, he suggested alternative contributions, such as technology transfers or deeper strategic partnerships, to compensate for budget constraints. The Philippine defence chief also defended the annual Balikatan military exercises with the US and other allies, dismissing concerns about their scale. He attributed rising tensions in the South China Sea to China’s ‘expansionism,’ framing the exercises as necessary for regional stability. Teodoro emphasized that ASEAN defence ministers had previously agreed on the importance of a strong US presence in maintaining stability, though he stressed that local investments remained critical. During the interview with CNA’s Leong Wai Kit, Teodoro reiterated that security was a ‘two-way street,’ requiring all parties to meet their obligations. He cautioned that if nations failed to modernise, they would struggle to catch up with advancing military technologies. The remarks underscored growing concerns about regional defence gaps amid escalating geopolitical tensions.