00:00 – Stopping China’s ‘illegal advances’ in the South China Sea
03:09 – The Philippines’ war of words with the Chinese Embassy in Manila
04:17 – Is the United States retreating from the Indo-Pacific?
07:30 – The Philippines’ expanding defence partnerships in Asia and beyond
10:35 – China’s military buildup in the South China Sea and across the Indo-Pacific
14:45 – Will the Philippines be drawn into conflict over Taiwan?
17:26 – Rising reports of Chinese espionage hit the Philippines
19:05 – What will it take to lower the tensions?
In his first interview of 2026, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro says the only way the world can stop China’s ‘illegal and aggressive’ actions in the Indo-Pacific is to strengthen its collective military capabilities.
But with the US telling partners from Asia to Europe they need to take greater responsibility for their own security, can Manila still count on Washington’s support?
Plus – will the Philippines be drawn into a war over Taiwan? And what is behind the growing reports of espionage out of Manila?
SBS News is Australia’s trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world.
Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews
Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe
For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news
Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms
Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy
Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints
