War of words between China and Philippines over South China Sea claims

China has accused the Philippines of "provoking trouble" following sharp remarks made by Filipino Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at a defense forum in South Korea. Teodoro had urged the need to respect a 2016 arbitration ruling that deemed China's claims in the South China Sea invalid. During his speech, a participant handed him a note that, according to Teodoro, originated from China.

The note stated, "China neither accepts nor recognizes" the arbitration ruling, implying that Beijing lost. Teodoro criticized the note, saying it showed disrespect towards the forum and international law. Despite China's presence at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Chinese officials did not take the stage as panelists or speakers. When Beijing was asked about the incident, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning admitted to not being aware of the exact circumstances but reiterated China's consistent stance on the South China Sea arbitration case.

She urged the Philippine government to desist from seeking attention, fueling tensions, and undermining bilateral relations and regional stability. China had previously declined to participate in the arbitration initiated by the Philippines in 2013 after a tense standoff in the disputed waters the previous year, which resulted in Beijing effectively claiming a prominent shoal.