Speaking to CNA's Leong Wai Kit on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr also defended recent military exercises with allies, and blames China's "expansionism" for tensions in the South China Sea.

SINGAPORE: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China’s growing power and prevent its dominance in the region,…

The Pentagon chief, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore said stronger, more self-reliant allies are key to deterrence.