MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) expressed concern over China’s military and coast guard actions around Taiwan that it said undermined regional peace and stability, “further creating cracks in an already fragile geopolitical environment.” “This heightened scale of coercion has implications that extend beyond cross-Strait relations and into the broader Indo-Pacific community,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in a statement. Teodoro said that basic principles of self-restraint must be observed, and the rule of international law must not be distorted. “The Philippines underscores the importance of upholding international law and regional norms, including the principles of peaceful management of disputes,” he said. “We reaffirm our support for a free, open, stable, and rules-based Indo Pacific, where differences are resolved through peaceful means without deception, coercion, or intimidation.” On December 29, China launched its largest war games around Taiwan where its military conducted live-fire drills simulating a blockade of the island’s key ports. Beijing said the exercises serve as a stern warning against Taiwan’s “separatist forces and external interference.