Philippines Not Concerned Iran War Will Distract U.S. From Region, Defense Secretary Says

Philippines' Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro speaks during the bilateral meeting with Canadian Minister of Defence David McGuinty (not pictured) in Manila on November 2, 2025. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
Philippines' Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro speaks during the bilateral meeting with Canadian Minister of Defence David McGuinty (not pictured) in Manila on November 2, 2025. Photo / Ted ALJIBE / AFP

By Karen Lema and Nestor Corrales

The Philippines is not worried about any reduction in U.S. deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific due to the Middle East war, though China would likely try to seize on any perceived opening, the Defense Secretary said on Tuesday.

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by Reuters

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