Philippine Military Implements 'One-Theater' Strategy for Maritime Security

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine military is set to adopt a 'one-theater' approach to enhance its operational capabilities in the East and South China Seas, as articulated by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on June 30, 2025. This strategy aligns with similar initiatives proposed by regional allies facing comparable security challenges in disputed maritime territories. Teodoro emphasized the importance of synergy in operations, intelligence sharing, and operational efficiency in these critical areas.

The initiative comes amid rising tensions in the East and South China Seas, where territorial disputes have frequently escalated into confrontations between nations. According to a report from the Japanese newspaper Asahi, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani recently advocated for viewing the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Korean Peninsula as a single operational theater, a sentiment echoed by Teodoro. He noted that both seas are maritime areas without land borders, making a unified approach reasonable.

Japan and China have a longstanding rivalry over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Similarly, the Philippines has endured frequent clashes with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea, particularly around areas within its exclusive economic zone. Teodoro pointed out that operationalizing this 'one-theater' concept involves coordinated military efforts with allied nations, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. This collaboration aims to enhance defense capabilities against common threats.

The Philippines has been proactive in expanding its defense partnerships beyond its traditional ally, the United States. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the nation has signed military agreements with Japan and New Zealand, and is currently negotiating defense pacts with Canada and France. In a joint statement with Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene, Teodoro highlighted the similar threats faced by both nations in their respective regions, advocating for increased collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity and maritime security.

The establishment of a coordinating center by the 'squad' grouping, which includes defense ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, is set to be operational by December 2025. This center will facilitate the implementation of the 'one-theater' strategy, which, according to Teodoro, does not require any additional treaties or agreements to be effective.

As regional tensions continue to rise, the implications of this strategic shift in the Philippines could be significant. It not only reflects a changing landscape in Southeast Asia's security dynamics but also underscores the necessity for cooperation among nations facing similar maritime challenges. The anticipated outcomes of this strategy will likely influence the geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly concerning China's assertiveness in its territorial claims.

In conclusion, the Philippines' commitment to a 'one-theater' military approach signifies a crucial step towards enhancing its maritime security and fostering stronger ties with regional allies. The unfolding developments in military cooperation and defense strategies will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, as they may redefine the balance of power in the contested waters of the East and South China Seas.