Philippine Defense Secretary Criticizes China at International Forum

The Defense Secretary of the Philippines expressed strong disapproval of China on Tuesday. This came after a Chinese military attaché delivered a note to him while he was speaking at an international defense forum in Seoul.

Gilberto Teodoro was addressing the topics of maritime security and international law at the Seoul Defense Dialogue when a staff member handed him a note. The note challenged a significant 2016 arbitration ruling related to China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, as noted in a post from the Philippine Department of National Defense. This message originated from a military attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, who asked someone at the forum to pass it to Teodoro, according to reports from the Yonhap News Agency.

Teodoro read the note aloud and questioned its appropriateness during his speech. “And how will you treat this kind of behavior?” he asked. “It not only disrespects international law—trampling on UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)—but it also disrespects the basic decency that should be accorded to our gracious hosts, the Republic of Korea.”

The Philippine Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate comment on the incident.

China claims significant areas of the South China Sea and has been involved in militarizing disputed locations. This includes constructing artificial islands that feature military infrastructure like airstrips and radar systems. The Philippines and China have had repeated confrontations regarding contested waters such as Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal.

Interestingly, the staff member who handed Teodoro the note may have believed it was from his own delegation, based on information from Yonhap.

In response to Beijing’s remarks, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy stated that China’s stance on the South China Sea arbitration has been “clear, consistent, and firm.” They argued that the arbitration violates fundamental international law principles and lacks jurisdiction.

Teodoro rebutted the note’s claims during his address, asserting that the tribunal’s ruling had determined that China had no legitimate grounds for its historical claims over resources within its so-called “nine-dash line.” This ruling, made by an arbitral tribunal according to UNCLOS, concluded in 2016 and China has since rejected it, claiming the decision is illegal and without binding force.

Teodoro even pointed out the contradiction in China’s refusal to accept the arbitration ruling, saying, “Of course, because you lost,” after reading the Chinese claims. He accused China of forsaking international norms in pursuit of its maritime ambitions.

“This is not a gray zone anymore. This is actual coercion, bullying, and aggression,” he stated, capturing the audience’s attention.

Teodoro concluded the confrontation with a sarcastic thanks to the Chinese official who sent the note, jokingly hoping the official wouldn’t face harsh repercussions back home.

Following this exchange, the ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing in disputed waters were evident. Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard alleged that Chinese vessels had used water cannons against Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal, marking multiple confrontations in a short span.

Another unsettling incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino sailor was reported injured due to an attack by Chinese coast guard personnel, according to the Philippine military. China alleged that Philippine personnel had initiated aggression against them.

Amid rising tensions with China, the Philippines has been reinforcing military cooperation with Washington. Recently, American and Philippine forces conducted joint maritime exercises aimed at enhancing their military interoperability.

Teodoro reaffirmed that U.S. commitments to the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty remain steadfast, as tensions with China display no signs of easing.

China, meanwhile, continues to claim that it is dedicated to maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region and urges other nations to respect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.