In a strong show of solidarity, a prominent House leader has thrown his full support behind Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for his efforts to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities, despite criticism from China. Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, who leads the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Quad Committee, firmly stated that Beijing has no right to interfere in Manila’s decisions regarding its military enhancements, including the acquisition of mid-range missiles and other armaments from the United States.
Barbers accused China of using ‘bullying tactics’ to criticize the Philippines’ efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged all Filipinos, including members of the Senate and Congress, to rally behind Secretary Teodoro in his stand against China’s overreach. Barbers emphasized the need for national unity to counter China’s selfish intentions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
Secretary Teodoro has defended the deployment of the US-made ‘Typhon’ Missile System during joint exercises as legitimate and in line with the Philippines’ independent foreign policy and national interest. He stressed that the enhancement of defense capabilities is part of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
China has warned that the Philippines’ military upgrades could escalate regional tensions and trigger an arms race. However, Barbers dismissed these claims as political rhetoric, highlighting China’s own aggressive military expansion and activities in the region. He suggested that China’s objections are driven by self-interest, possibly even hoping to sell their own military hardware to the Philippines, which he warned could be counterfeit.
Barbers also criticized the Chinese Communist Party for expanding its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, supporting criminal and subversive groups abroad, and failing to uphold human rights at home. He called out CPC spokesperson Mao Ning for labeling the Philippines’ military upgrades as an ‘irresponsible choice,’ asserting that China’s interference in Philippine affairs has gone too far.