Philippine Defense Chief Condemns Chinese Disinformation Tactics at Shangri-La Dialogue
MANILA, Philippines – In a forceful rebuke at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. denounced what he called "pretend journalists" from China, accusing them of spreading disinformation and engaging in propaganda under the guise of journalistic inquiry. This unfolded on the same day Teodoro criticized Chinese military officials for posing "propaganda spiels disguised as questions" during a panel discussion. The defense chief’s assertive stance underscores the Philippines’ growing frustration with China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly within the West Philippine Sea, which falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Teodoro’s presence at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a key regional defense forum, marked a significant opportunity for the Philippines to voice its concerns on the international stage. He did not mince words, starting with a critique of China’s decision to send a delegation from the People’s Liberation Army’s National Defense University instead of its top defense official, Li Shangfu. Teodoro dismissed the Chinese delegation as "pretend journalists," highlighting an incident where Chinese nationals aggressively pursued interviews with him and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. He alleged these individuals subsequently distorted the narrative on Chinese social media platforms, falsely portraying Brawner as avoiding questions about the South China Sea.
Teodoro provided further details on the encounter, revealing that he engaged with the Chinese media personalities, sarcastically addressing them as "agents of the MSS," referring to China’s Ministry of State Security. He accused China of employing underhanded tactics to manipulate the narrative and disrespecting the dialogue’s established processes. Teodoro’s strong words reflect the escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly in the wake of the Marcos administration’s policy of assertively defending its rights and claims in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines has reported numerous instances of harassment by Chinese vessels, including tailing, dangerous maneuvers, water cannoning, and ramming incidents, primarily carried out by the China Coast Guard.
This is not the first instance of Teodoro taking a firm stance against Beijing. Since assuming his role in July 2023, he has consistently challenged China’s pronouncements regarding the Philippines’ defense decisions and its alliance with the United States, labeling them as hypocritical or based on outright falsehoods. During the dialogue, Teodoro emphasized the need for China to address its "deficit of trust and credibility." In a panel discussion on cross-regional security linkages, he directly confronted Chinese officials, accusing them of using questions as a platform for propaganda. He highlighted the discrepancy between China’s stated commitment to fairness and justice and its actions in the South China Sea, which he argued contradicted its earlier promises of a "peaceful rise."
Teodoro’s comments resonated with the audience, drawing applause and laughter. He challenged the notion of a proxy war in Asia, referencing US Senator Marco Rubio’s warnings about the potential for such conflicts between nuclear powers. He also emphasized the sovereignty of ASEAN nations and the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Teodoro underscored that the Philippines would stand with any ASEAN nation facing similar challenges from China, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity in upholding international norms.
He further invoked the 1995 Mischief Reef incident, where China initially claimed its structures were merely shelters for fishermen but subsequently transformed the reef into an "artificial military island." Teodoro questioned China’s peaceful intentions, contrasting them with its denial of the Philippines’ rightful claims under international law and UNCLOS. He pointedly noted the lack of international support for China’s nine-dash line claim, which Beijing uses to assert sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea. This assertive stance by the Philippine defense chief reflects the country’s determination to defend its sovereign rights and challenge China’s aggressive behavior in the region. The incident at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights the ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics at play in the South China Sea.