However, he said countries could contribute in other ways, including through technology transfers, closer access and shared strategic interests with partners.
“You may not be spending 3.5 per cent, but (if) you have some technology which will allow you to leverage the depth that a big power has, that could be a substitute,” he said.
Teodoro said countries should focus on investing in deterrent capabilities and accelerating military modernisation.
“It takes time (to push budgets through), and that time window has to close. If not, we will be outpaced by technology, and to catch up is very, very difficult,” he said.
Teodoro said that Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defence ministers broadly agreed at a meeting last year that a strong American presence remained necessary for regional stability.
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