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Home News Philippine Defense Chief Criticizes China at Seoul Forum

Philippine Defense Chief Criticizes China at Seoul Forum

Sep 9, 2026
51 min
8
Sep 9, 2026 08:30
Video: Manila defence chief slams 'bullying' China after note at forum

## Incident at Seoul Defense Dialogue

During a panel discussion at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro received a note, allegedly from China, asserting Beijing's stance on the South China Sea. The note reiterated China's rejection of a 2016 international tribunal ruling favoring the Philippines over territorial disputes.

## Accusations of Bullying

Teodoro condemned the note as an act of "coercion and bullying," criticizing it for disrespecting international law and the forum's participants. He expressed his intention to keep the note as a reminder of what he described as China's "desperation."

## Regional Tensions

The South China Sea is a contentious area with overlapping territorial claims from multiple countries, including the Philippines and China. The region frequently experiences tensions and confrontations due to these disputes.

## Lack of Response

Neither the South Korean defense ministry, which organized the event, nor the Chinese embassy provided comments on the incident. Reports suggest a Chinese military attache may have been involved in delivering the note, but this remains unconfirmed.

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