DND chief seeks broader interpretation of MDT vs. China aggression

FILE: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (Photo: Department of National Defense – Philippines/Facebook)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Tuesday the interpretation of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States in terms of an armed attack must be broadened for it to be responsive to China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“It should apply because we’re getting narrowed by a wooden definition, an armed attack on a public vessel etc. and the public gets fixated on that, so I think we should broaden the scope of the MDT to face a dynamic and cunning adversary,” Teodoro said on the sidelines of the 35th International Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS 24) at The Manila Hotel, when asked whether the MDT can be invoked against China’s grey zone tactics.

Grey zone acts are those committed by a state which are harmful to another state and are sometimes considered to be acts of war, but are not legal acts of war.

Under Article IV of the MDT, “each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

The DND chief also noted that the MDT is the basis of the country’s “bilateral cooperation with the United States” and the Philippines should tailor its interpretations of the MDT to the dynamic situation in the WPS.

He was referring to the series of aggressive Chinese actions in the region, which include harassment of Philippine aircraft and ships in recent weeks.

“There are ongoing talks, not to broaden the scope of the MDT, but to broaden the interpretations to make it more dynamic and not fall into China’s trap,” he added.

Teodoro also said deterrence is not limited to military means and operations but can also include “any influence which will prevent a violator from pursuing its course.”

“Why will we fixate on attack? Why don’t we concentrate on deterrence on the MDT? Bakit tayo magpapapalo o magpepenitensya when ma-iiwasan natin (Why do we have to be spanked or flagellated when we can prevent this)?” Teodoro said.

The MDT, signed by the Philippines and the US in 1951, requires both nations to support each other if another party attacks either.