Philippines Defense Chief Rebukes China Over 2016 Sea Ruling Note at Seoul Dialogue
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 8
Philippines Defense Chief Rebukes China Over 2016 Sea Ruling Note at Seoul Dialogue
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 8
Summary
Gilberto Teodoro halted his remarks at the Seoul Defense Dialogue after a man placed a note from China on his table, then read it aloud before denouncing Beijing's conduct.
The note rejected the 2016 South China Sea arbitration case brought by the Philippines under UNCLOS, a ruling that found China had unlawfully reclaimed land in Philippine waters.
Teodoro called the move "coercion, bullying and aggression," saying it disrespected international law, the South Korean hosts and the audience at the forum.
He said daily pressure from China in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone has pushed Manila into "creative defense arrangements and alliances," underscoring how the maritime dispute is widening into a broader security contest.