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

AI Summary

Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr supported US calls for increased military spending and defended joint military exercises amidst South China Sea tensions fueled by China's expansionism, as stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue. The emphasis was on allied nations contributing their fair share to regional security.

Speaking to CNA's Leong Wai Kit on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr also defended recent military exercises with allies, and blames China's "expansionism" for tensions in the South China Sea.