Philippine defence chief slams 'bullying' China after note at forum

Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro has criticized China for what he described as "bullying" at an international forum. On Tuesday, during the Seoul Defense Dialogue in South Korea, Teodoro received a note from an event staff member that cited China's stance on the South China Sea arbitration. The document stated that the arbitration violated international law.

Teodoro read out the note's contents, asserting that China's position was clear, consistent, and firm, and that the tribunal ruling favored the Philippines. The arbitration case centers on a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague, which largely supported the Philippines' claims against China's territorial assertions in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea is a waterway where several nations, including China, have overlapping territorial claims, leading to frequent confrontations. Teodoro denounced the note, calling it an act of aggression that disrespected the forum's host and other attendees. He further suggested that China's behavior demonstrated desperation and aggression.

South Korea's defense ministry and China's embassy did not respond to inquiries regarding Teodoro's allegations.