Philippines Defense Secretary Criticizes China’s Actions in South China Sea
Gilberto C. Teodoro, the Defense Secretary of the Philippines, criticized China’s actions during his speech at the Seoul Defense Dialogue in South Korea. While addressing the audience, a man placed a note on the table beside him. Teodoro recognized it as a message from China regarding the South China Sea.
Reading from the note, Teodoro shared China’s stance: “China’s position on the South China Sea arbitration is clear, consistent, and firm. They have no position. The arbitration violates fundamental principles of international law.” The note referred to the 2016 legal case filed by the Philippines against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ruling concluded that China’s land reclamation in the Philippines’ territorial waters was unlawful.
China has continuously rejected the ruling, accusing the Philippines of violating its sovereignty. The dispute has led to multiple navy standoffs between the two nations. Recently, two Philippine Coast Guard ships faced Chinese vessels in a tense confrontation in the South China Sea.
During his speech, Teodoro questioned the appropriateness of China’s actions: “How can you deal with a country in an international forum disrespecting the organizers? How do you expect to deal civilly?” He criticized the behavior as a lack of basic decency and international law violations. Teodoro emphasized the disrespect shown to South Korea and the attendees.
“This is actual coercion, bullying, and aggression,” Teodoro stated. He expressed determination to keep the note as a symbol of China’s desperation and inefficiency. “Thank you very much to the person who gave me this piece of paper,” Teodoro remarked, adding that it was a service to China.
Teodoro highlighted the daily challenges faced by the Philippines due to China’s attempts to occupy and illegally assert presence over Philippine territory. He underscored the UNCLOS violations and stressed the importance of international norms. Teodoro concluded by discussing the Philippines’ efforts to form defense arrangements and alliances in response to China’s actions.