Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has dismissed accusations from the Chinese Foreign Ministry that his recent criticisms of Beijing were merely performative. During the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Teodoro publicly condemned China for its lack of respect toward the host nation, echoing sentiments previously expressed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding regional conduct. In response to Beijing's characterization of his remarks as theatrical, Teodoro countered by questioning the sincerity of China's past claims concerning the militarization of Mischief Reef. The defense official maintained that his statements were a direct response to ongoing geopolitical tensions rather than a staged act. This exchange occurred following a forum in Parañaque City, where Teodoro addressed China's persistent rejection of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Source : The Manila Times
Photo : The Manila Times
