AFP: PH determines its own defense strategies

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asserted the nation's sovereign right to determine its defense strategies and alliances without foreign dictation, in response to China's accusations.

AFP spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla stated that no foreign power can dictate how the Philippines defends its territory or with whom it collaborates.

China had accused the Philippines of causing 'disturbances' by conducting joint missions over the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Padilla clarified that the AFP is fulfilling its constitutional duty to protect the country's sovereign rights within its maritime domain.

She emphasized that joint exercises and maritime domain awareness operations within Philippine waters are acts of preparedness, not provocation.

The Philippines' actions are described as deliberate and lawful, based on international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).