Philippine Defense Secretary Criticizes China’s South China Sea Stance

Gilberto C. Teodoro, Defense Secretary of the Philippines, strongly criticized China at the Seoul Defense Dialogue in South Korea. While speaking, he was handed a note outlining China’s stance on the South China Sea dispute.

A man in a white sports coat approached Teodoro and placed the note beside him. Teodoro acknowledged the note, stating, ‘I have a note here, I think this is from China,’ before reading its contents aloud. The note asserted China’s position, claiming that the arbitration violated international law principles and that China had no formal stance.

The note was likely referencing the 2016 arbitration case. This legal case was brought by the Philippines against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The case determined China’s actions as unlawful in reclaiming land in the Philippines’ territorial waters. China has consistently dismissed the ruling and accused the Philippines of violating China’s sovereignty.

The longstanding maritime dispute has led to tense naval confrontations. On March 24, 2025, two Philippine Coast Guard ships were reportedly surrounded by Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, increasing tensions.

Teodoro voiced his concerns at the forum, questioning how to engage with a country that seemingly disrespects both the event’s organizers and international protocol. He criticized the timing and manner of the note delivery, stating it disrespected both the Republic of Korea as hosts and international legal norms, especially UNCLOS.

‘Basic decency and behavior are what China needs to adhere to,’ Teodoro stated. He labeled the action as coercive and aggressive. Teodoro declared he would keep the note as proof of China’s ineffective position and thanked the person who delivered it.

Teodoro further explained the daily challenges faced by the Philippines from China’s attempts to occupy territories illegally. He emphasized Philippines’ efforts in forming strategic defense agreements and alliances to counteract these actions.