Seoul, Republic of Korea — At the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD), Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro called on the international community to embrace responsible competition, uphold international law, and prioritize inclusive security mechanisms in addressing today’s most pressing geopolitical challenges. Participating in the high-level forum under the theme “Confronting Geopolitical Challenges: Building Peace through Cooperation,” Teodoro emphasized the urgency of strengthening multilateral institutions and promoting dialogue amid global instability. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Deputy Head of Mission Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, supported the Secretary and his delegation throughout the dialogue. 

“Geopolitical rivalries may be inevitable, but they must be tempered by trust, international law, and diplomacy. “We cannot allow a fragmented, transactional world to become the norm, especially when it is smaller nations that often bear the heaviest burden of instability,” Secretary Teodoro said. 

The Philippines reiterated its support for ASEAN-led peace initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based international order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Teodoro warned against the dangers of multipolar competition absent clear norms and emphasized the Philippines' ongoing efforts to modernize its defense posture, deepen regional partnerships, and contribute to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Core areas of engagement included cybersecurity, maritime security, and defense technology cooperation.

In conjunction with the dialogue, Secretary Teodoro also took part in the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the United Nations Command (UNC), an event honoring the legacy of the 22 countries that defended the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. In his remarks, Secretary Teodoro paid tribute to the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served, highlighting their sacrifice and the Philippines’ enduring commitment to collective defense under the UN Charter by saying, “Being here in Seoul, we are reminded of the fragility of peace, and our collective responsibility to keep it alive.”

On the sidelines of the Dialogue, Secretary Teodoro conducted bilateral meetings with defense counterparts from South Korea, Canada, Japan, Sweden, and South Africa. He emphasized expanding cooperation through formal agreements and highlighted strategic areas such as joint training, logistics, and civil defense. The Philippines' defense diplomacy remains grounded in shared democratic values, regional solidarity, and a collective commitment to peace and resilience in the face of emerging global threats.  END