In a scathing rebuke, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has denounced China’s extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea as the biggest fiction and lie that no Southeast Asian country will accept.
This strong statement comes amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed maritime territories.
The dispute centers around China’s 10-dash line, which demarcates its claimed territory in the South China Sea.
This expansive claim has been invalidated by an international arbitration panel in 2016, based on the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, China has refused to recognize the rules and continues to assert its sovereignty over the region.
On Monday, the Philippine coastguard reported new incidents involving Chinese forces at Scarborough Shoal, a contested fishing atoll.
A Chinese military helicopter was observed monitoring a Philippine light aircraft during a routine patrol, and Chinese forces have installed a new floating barrier to prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing a lagoon within the shoal.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized the need for a stronger national defense posture and continued security engagement with allied countries to counter Chinese aggression.
His comments reflect growing regional concerns about China’s assertive actions, which have undermined international goodwill built by previous Chinese leaders.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is currently negotiating a non-aggression pact, known as the code of conduct, with China to prevent territorial conflicts from escalating.
ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, have been involved in long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The U.S. has pledged to bolster the Philippines efforts against China’s growing assertiveness. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently announced plans to deploy advanced defense equipment in the Philippines, including unmanned surface vessels, to enhance deterrence in the region.
Conclusion
The Philippine defense chief’s strong stance against China’s claims highlights the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the need for international cooperation to maintain regional stability.
As the situation continues to unfold, Southeast Asian nations and their allies are likely to remain vigilant in defending their territorial rights.
