Teodoro flags food, energy security risks at ASEAN defense meeting

National

THE potential impact of a super El Niño on food supplies, water availability and electricity security should be part of Southeast Asia’s broader security agenda, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Speaking at the opening of the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), Teodoro urged regional governments to strengthen cooperation beyond traditional military concerns as supply chain disruptions and global conflicts expose countries to emerging vulnerabilities.

He said the anticipated weather phenomenon could affect food, water, electricity and connectivity across Southeast Asia, with potential consequences for national and regional security.

“Amid supply chain challenges, from conflicts beyond our shores, we also see value in expanding our cooperation to secure food and energy security,” Teodoro said.

The Philippines is hosting the meeting in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Teodoro identified three priorities for the gathering: preserving ASEAN unity, strengthening practical cooperation among defense establishments, and encouraging frank discussions on regional security concerns.

He stressed that unity is critical as the international environment becomes increasingly fragmented and presents challenges to smaller and archipelagic states.

Member countries, he said, must uphold mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, settle disputes peacefully, and reject the threat or use of force.

Disagreements, including those involving the South China Sea, should be addressed through peaceful and legal means rather than allowed to divide the regional bloc.

Teodoro also welcomed efforts by Cambodia and Thailand to sustain their ceasefire agreement and pursue a peaceful, lasting solution to their situation.

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ participation in the process agreed upon by their leaders through the ASEAN Observer Team, with due consideration for the concerns of all parties.

The defense chief said existing mechanisms under the ADMM and the ADMM-Plus have helped build trust among defense establishments and advance cooperation in maritime security, the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges.

However, he emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to protect critical underwater infrastructure.

He also encouraged defense officials to use the meeting and their bilateral engagements to discuss security challenges openly, noting that candid exchanges could help countries identify common ground despite differences in national policies and diplomatic positions.

This year’s gathering coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 20th anniversary of the ADMM.

Teodoro said these milestones offer an opportunity to reinforce regional solidarity and strengthen collective efforts toward a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southeast Asia and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He also thanked ASEAN members for supporting the Philippines’ chairship and highlighted humanitarian assistance and disaster response as important expressions of regional solidarity, particularly as natural calamities become more frequent and unpredictable.(MyTVCebu)