China: PH defense chief habitually attacks, hinders military exchanges
Metro Manila, Philippines – On Christmas Day, the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro of repeatedly smearing Beijing and hindering military exchanges between the two countries.
The statement was a response to Teodoro’s defense of the deployment of US mid-range missile assets in the country.
In a statement on Monday, Teodoro said the US Typhon missile deployment was legal and called on China to end its saber-rattling, provocations, and interventions; withdraw from the Philippines' exclusive economic zone; and respect international law.
“While the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is criticizing the modest capability development of the Philippines, they are continuously building up their nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile capability, sponsoring criminal syndicates and subversive organizations beyond their shores, and are unwilling to uphold human rights in their own country,” Teodoro said.
When asked for a comment on Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy said Teodoro’s statements were baseless.
“Philippine Secretary of National Defense baselessly smeared China and maliciously attacked the Communist Party of China,” the embassy said in remarks uploaded on its website.
“However, this is not the first time the incumbent Philippine SND made such unprofessional and ludicrous remarks. In addition to habitually attacking and smearing China and its ruling party, he personally impedes and obstructs mil-to-mil contacts and exchanges between China and the Philippines,” the Chinese Embassy said.
It also noted that Teodoro’s statements contradict President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to deescalate maritime tensions through dialogue and consultation.
The Chinese Embassy reiterated its call for the withdrawal of the Typhon missile system, which the US Army deployed in the Philippines for joint exercises in northern Luzon in April, sparking anger from China.
