MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday expressed concern over a series of Chinese military and coast guard activities around Taiwan, warning that these actions undermine regional peace and stability.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the activities are “undermine regional peace and stability” and are “creating cracks in an already fragile geopolitical environment.”

“This heightened scale of coercion has implications that extend beyond cross-Strait relations and into the broader Indo-Pacific community,” Teodoro said.

The DND chief cited the launching of missiles and fighter aircraft, as well as the maneuvering of Chinese naval vessels in Taiwanese territory, as among the activities causing concern.

Amid these developments, Teodoro said “[b]asic principles of self-restraint must be observed, and the rule of international law must not be distorted.”

“The Philippines underscores the importance of upholding international law and regional norms, including the principles of peaceful management of disputes,” he added.

Teodoro reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for a free, open, stable, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, stressing that differences should be resolved through peaceful means without deception, coercion, or intimidation.

(PNA)