Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has rejected allegations that the country’s military operations in the West Philippine Sea are provocative, saying the armed forces operate in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the UN Charter.
Teodoro made the remarks during a Senate finance subcommittee hearing on Monday, October 19, where lawmakers discussed the Department of National Defense’s proposed budget for 2027.
During the hearing, he also disputed comments by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, who had accused the Philippines of acting as a “troublemaker” in the region.
Philippines Protests Chinese Ambassador’s Remarks
Teodoro’s comments followed a diplomatic protest by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which summoned Ambassador Jing on Monday over remarks he made on October 15.
Philippine officials interpreted the ambassador’s statements as threats intended to intimidate the government.
Teodoro highlighted comments suggesting that the Philippines would “lose” if military communications were cut. He also pointed to remarks implying that China could use force to secure an easy victory, describing the statements as direct threats.
Defense Chief Challenges China’s South China Sea Claims
The Philippine defense secretary also criticised Beijing’s territorial assertions in the South China Sea, specifically challenging China’s use of the “nine-dash line” to claim extensive maritime areas.
The Philippines maintains that the claim has no legal basis.
Teodoro further raised concerns over recent Chinese assertions relating to Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province. He said Beijing had suggested it possessed the right to operate in the waters surrounding the area.
According to Teodoro, the Department of National Defense is working to deter such actions.
Manila Awaits Further Government Response
Following the summoning of the Chinese ambassador, Teodoro said the Philippine government was waiting for further developments.
He indicated that any official public update on the diplomatic matter would come from the Department of Foreign Affairs or Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The dispute comes amid continuing disagreements between Manila and Beijing over maritime claims and activities in the South China Sea.
