A dramatic diplomatic confrontation unfolded at a defence forum in Seoul, where Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was handed a note from Chinese representatives while he was delivering his speech on the South China Sea dispute.
Instead of ignoring the note or backing down, Teodoro decided to read it out in front of the audience, and then responded publicly.
The note reiterated Beijing’s position that China does not accept or recognize the 2016 international arbitration ruling concerning the South China Sea. The tribunal had rejected the legal basis for many of China’s expansive maritime claims.
Teodoro’s response was blunt.
After reading the Chinese position, he essentially told Beijing that the reason China rejects the ruling is that it lost the case. He then criticised how the message was delivered, calling it disrespectful to the international forum and international law.
The Philippines has repeatedly accused China of using coercive tactics to assert its claims in the South China Sea. China, meanwhile, accuses Manila of provoking tensions and stirring up trouble.
Rather than quietly receiving the message, the Philippine defence chief put it on display and challenged China’s position publicly.
This is also not the first time Teodoro has taken a tough line against Beijing. In recent months, he has repeatedly criticised what he describes as Chinese coercion and pressure against the Philippines, while calling for stronger regional security cooperation.
