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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH far from being able to match China's defense resources, Marcos says

PH far from being able to match China's defense resources, Marcos says

Published Dec 18, 2023 09:50 am

TOKYO, Japan---Even if the Philippines could go up to the desired level of spending on defense in its national budget, it will still not be enough to be at-par with China's resources. 

 

President Marcos stated this on Monday, Dec. 18, when asked if the 2024 national budget would be responsive to the challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

 

"Even if we go up to the desired level of spending on defense up to two percent of GDP (gross domestic product), we will still be very not comparative in terms of actual military force to the Chinese," Marcos told Manila-based reporters in an interview here.

 

"That is obvious to everyone. So that's not the only side to the problem. We have to continue to ally ourselves with as many countries around the world especially in Asia and Indo-Pacific area but around the world," Marcos added. 

 

He further said that it was crucial for the Philippines to be able to speak with a unified voice together with strong coalitions in different countries.

 

Amid the continuous activities of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia in the WPS, and the recent swarming of Philippine vessels within the country’s territorial waters, Marcos said "we have to be very careful" and "do not overreact."

 

He, however, said the government was exerting all its efforts to address the swarming incidents.

 

"Of course, we are exerting all efforts, but we have to be very careful, do not overreact, that we do not make mistakes that might be misinterpreted by anyone," Marcos said.

 

"Kailangan talaga maingat tayo dahil pag may nangyari ulit dyan (We need to be very careful because if it happens again), if we heightened the tensions it won't lead us to good result. So, we are being very circumspect in the actions that we will take," Marcos added.

 

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