Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro declared China’s South China Sea claims as “the biggest fiction and lie”. He criticized Xi Jinping’s policies, asserting they undermine international goodwill. The Philippines is responding by strengthening security ties with countries like New Zealand and Canada and aims for an agreement with France. Upcoming discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth will focus on China’s assertiveness in contested waters.

In a strong statement, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro condemned China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea as “the biggest fiction and lie,” asserting that no Southeast Asian nation acknowledges them. His remarks coincide with reports of confrontations between Chinese forces and Philippine coast guards, including a Chinese military helicopter tailing a Philippine aircraft near Scarborough Shoal, a heavily contested fishing atoll.

The Philippine coast guard announced that Chinese forces have established a new floating barrier to restrict Filipino fishermen’s access to a lagoon in Scarborough Shoal. Despite the absence of immediate Chinese commentary, Beijing has previously declared authority over the region, citing historical claims. An international tribunal’s 2016 ruling, which negated China’s expansive claims, was disregarded by China, which boycotted the proceedings initiated by the Philippines.

In a speech commemorating the anniversary of the Philippine military’s Western Command, Teodoro emphasized the necessity for a robust national defense and ongoing collaborations with allied nations to combat the threat posed by Chinese actions. He stressed that no member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognizes the validity of China’s “10-dash line” claims.

Teodoro characterized Chinese President Xi Jinping’s regime as a “small dictatorship and autocracy,” attributing the aggressive policies to Xi and his party rather than the Chinese populace or previous leaders. He attributed these aggressive actions to Xi’s leadership style, warning that they might jeopardize his authority and the previously established goodwill between nations.

These confrontations have prompted the Philippines to enhance its security partnerships, with an imminent agreement to allow mutual military exercises with New Zealand and final negotiations with Canada for a similar arrangement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pursuing a visiting forces agreement with France as part of this strategy. Additionally, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to discuss these concerns with Teodoro and bolster the long-standing U.S.-Philippines alliance during his upcoming visit.

In conclusion, the Philippine Defense Secretary’s comments reflect strong opposition to Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for national defense and alliances with other nations. As the Philippines forges closer ties with countries like New Zealand, Canada, and France, it seeks to counter Chinese aggression in the region effectively. The international community’s past rulings on maritime law further bolster the Philippines’ position against China’s assertions.

Original Source: apnews.com

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