Foreign media reported on the 23rd that the Philippine defense secretary warned Friday that if China attempts to forcibly tow away the grounded warship Sierra Madre, it would constitute an act of "war" against the Philippines. When asked whether such an action could trigger the Philippines' Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, Teodoro stated, "The possibility exists," and clarified that the decision rests with the president.
Commentary: The Philippine defense secretary’s remarks appear designed to escalate leverage by invoking the term "act of war," while referencing the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty to exert pressure. Yet he has left room for discretion, explicitly stating that the ultimate authority to activate the treaty or engage the United States lies with the Philippine president. The vessel in question is an old ship illegally anchored at Ren'ai Reef years ago. Manila’s firm rhetoric aims not only to deter Chinese efforts to clear the grounded ship and maintain its presence on the reef but also to tie the South China Sea dispute closely to its alliance with the United States, thereby bolstering its negotiating position. However, this approach is legally untenable and risks inflaming tensions in the region, exacerbating confrontation over maritime disputes.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879887981334729/
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