According to a message posted on the WeChat public account ‘China Embassy in the Philippines’ on the evening of September 27, Ji Lingpeng, spokesperson for my embassy in the Philippines, stated his position regarding Defense Minister Téodoro’s negative remarks about China.
Question: On September 26, Filipino Defense Minister Teodoro attended a forum and discussed issues related to the South China Sea, attacking China again. What is the comment from the Chinese embassy?
Answer: This person is extremely anti-China. For a long time, he has been attacking and slandering China in order to gain political advantage for his own interests. His remarks about China ignore facts and distort the truth. He attempts to interfere with and undermine Sino-Filipino relations, dividing the friendship between the Chinese and Filipino people, and creating opposition between the two countries and their peoples. Such schemes are destined to fail.
According to reports from the Philippine GMA News Network and others, on the 26th, Teodoro once again attacked China at a forum, claiming that China is attempting to create a world 'centered on China'.
On that day, he also claimed that the Philippines will continue to carry out supply missions in the waters claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea. The Philippines will reevaluate its military deployment, strategies, and capabilities through the 'Comprehensive Island Defense Concept' (CADC). The goals include deploying military forces into the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Teodoro also specifically mentioned the recent defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. He stated that the defense cooperation between the two countries is progressing rapidly, with both sides strengthening information exchange, coordinated combat capabilities, and joint military exercises. The plan for Japan to transfer five decommissioned Abuoku-class frigates to the Philippines is also continuing to move forward.
Teodoro said that in addition to Japan, the Philippines is also deepening defense cooperation with Australia, Canada, France, and the UK. This cooperation involves not only military training and equipment, but also information sharing, coordinated combat capabilities, and supply chain security.
