Teodoro Challenges Beijing on Taiwan, Rocket, Maritime Disputes

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is pushing back against Beijing on several sensitive regional issues, asserting that China should not dictate how Manila implements its 'One China' policy. He is also questioning China's conduct involving recent rocket launches and maritime activities near Philippine waters. Teodoro emphasizes Manila's sovereign right to determine its foreign policy and defense posture.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lynn Chiong confirmed on September 15 that Taipei is preparing to establish its second representative office in the Philippines. This new office in Cebu will complement the existing one in Manila, focusing on serving travelers and boosting economic cooperation. The initiative underscores Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its presence and ties within the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Goyakun urged the Philippines to abide by the 'One China' principle and avoid steps Beijing believes could damage China-Philippines relations. China views Taiwan's planned Cebu office as an attempt by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to expand its international presence, which Beijing considers a challenge to its sovereignty. This diplomatic reaction highlights the sensitivity of Taiwan-related issues for China and its close monitoring of other nations' interactions with Taipei.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reinforced the Philippines' stance on August 14, 2026, stating that dealings with Taiwan continue within the context of the country's 'One China' policy. Marcos described the mechanisms linking Manila and Taipei as commercial rather than formal diplomatic relations, clarifying that Manila does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This position underscores the Philippines' commitment to its 'One China' policy while still engaging in practical, non-diplomatic interactions with Taiwan.

The Philippine Space Agency confirmed that China launched its Yini 1 rocket on September 16 from an East China Sea launch area, with the identified drop zone falling inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone. Furthermore, a Long March 12 rocket, launched on September 17, landed in archipelagic waters, raising concerns about safety and sovereignty. These incidents highlight the potential impact of Chinese space activities on Philippine maritime jurisdiction and safety.

Defense Secretary Teodoro characterized the succession of Chinese rocket launches as provocative, although he did not describe them as an immediate cause for alarm. The concern centers particularly on launches where projected drop zones are situated close to Philippine territory or within maritime zones where the Philippines exercises jurisdiction. Risks to ships, aircraft, and communities remain a concern, as unburned components pose potential threats during atmospheric re-entry.

Defense Secretary Teodoro emphasizes that disagreements regarding maritime activities should be addressed on their legal merits, pointing to the landmark 2016 South China Sea arbitration. He asserts that resupply missions are legitimate exercises of sovereign rights, crucial for supporting personnel in the West Philippine Sea. Frequent encounters between Philippine and Chinese vessels underscore the ongoing tensions in these disputed waters, but Manila maintains the legality of its operations.

Among its major findings, the tribunal concluded there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within sea areas covered by the so-called 'nine-dash line' beyond the maritime entitlements provided under UNCLOS. The tribunal also ruled that the Spratly Islands cannot generate an exclusive economic zone, undermining a significant portion of China's expansive claims.

This arbitration is viewed as a benchmark for applying UNCLOS to disputes and acts as a central foundation for Philippine maritime claims. The continued emphasis on this ruling highlights its critical role in Manila's strategy for addressing South China Sea disputes.

Defense Secretary Teodoro stated that preparations are continuing for a planned naval operating base in Palawan, a crucial geographic position near disputed waters. This modernization focuses on naval, air, and unmanned surveillance assets, with construction involving extensive land preparation and development requirements. The strategy aims for sustained missions further from home bases, enhancing territorial defense and maritime surveillance capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.

Manila continues commercial relations with Taiwan while expanding its defense posture due to growing security concerns in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Teodoro insists that Philippine policy, particularly concerning foreign relations, maritime rights, and national defense, must be determined within Manila, according to its own interpretation of international obligations. This approach exists despite China's demands for adherence to its interpretation of the 'One China' principle, underscoring the Philippines' independent stance in a complex diplomatic landscape, especially with a new Taiwan office planned in Cebu.

Disagreements between Manila and Beijing are unlikely to disappear soon, requiring both nations to manage these tensions carefully. Repeated Chinese rocket launches, with debris zones impacting Philippine jurisdiction, and ongoing maritime incidents add to diplomatic friction and strategic competition. The key challenge for Manila and Beijing will be preventing these disputes from escalating into more dangerous confrontations, ensuring regional stability.