Philippines Defense Chief Confronts China's UNCLS Rejection Note at Seoul Forum
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro publicly challenged China at the Seoul Defense Dialogue after a note rejecting the 2016 South China Sea arbitration was slipped to him during his speech. Teodoro read the note aloud, labeling the act 'coercion, bullying and aggression' and criticizing Beijing for disrespecting international law and the forum's hosts. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over maritime sovereignty, with Teodoro emphasizing the Philippines' reliance on new defense alliances to counter Chinese pressure in the region.
