The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say
3-MIN READ3-MIN1 ListenJeoffrey MaitemPublished: 3:00pm, 23 May 2026Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio has twice in recent weeks urged the country’s armed forces to defend its sovereignty, in a carefully calibrated attempt to sound more assertive on the South China Sea issue without directly challenging Beijing, according to analysts.While Duterte-Carpio did not name China, her repeated calls marked a tonal shift from her earlier approach, when she either avoided the issue or warned against letting it define Manila’s broader relationship with Beijing.Duterte-Carpio is widely seen as the current front runner for the 2028 presidential race, raising questions over whether she would continue the China-friendly approach of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, or adjust it at a time of growing public concern over maritime sovereignty.Advertisement
In a video message marking the Philippine Navy’s 128th anniversary on Wednesday, Duterte-Carpio praised naval personnel for their “steadfast commitment to defending our sovereignty and the integrity of our maritime territory”.
A Philippine soldier peers through a telescope from a viewing deck in Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea on February 21. Photo: Reuters
“Amid the challenges in our seas, you serve as the nation’s first line of defence. Your duty is no small task – protecting our territory means safeguarding the future of the next generation of Filipinos,” she said.
