Philippines Defense Chief rebukes China at Seoul forum

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro publicly rebuked a Chinese representative during the Seoul Defense Dialogue after being handed a note that challenged the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. The note, reportedly passed by a Chinese defense attaché, asserted that the tribunal's decision was ‘illegal, null, and void.’ Teodoro responded on stage, stating that the gesture showed disrespect for international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the host nation, South Korea.

Teodoro urged the Philippines to ‘push back’ against Chinese ‘bullying’ tactics and reaffirmed that the nation would not compromise on its territorial integrity or sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the military and deepening defense partnerships with like-minded countries to resist aggression.

In addition to the diplomatic spat in Seoul, Manila has intensified its stance regarding maritime claims, demanding that Chinese forces vacate the contested Panganiban and Zamora reefs. Philippine officials have also accused Chinese units of conducting hazardous maneuvers, including firing flares near Philippine aircraft, further escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.