Philippines Defense Minister Tells China to 'Be Ashamed' at Seoul Forum

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro sharply criticized China at the Seoul Defense Dialogue on Tuesday, telling Chinese officials to "be ashamed" after receiving a note detailing Beijing's stance on the South China Sea. Teodoro was responding to questions about China's gray-zone tactics when a staff member handed him a note. He read aloud the note, which stated China's position on the South China Sea arbitration case was "clear, consistent, and firm" and that the arbitral ruling "violates the basic principles of international law." Teodoro, believing the note came from Chinese officials, retorted, "So what you're saying is that what you signed – the UNCLOS – violates international law?" He continued, "The so-called ruling is illegal, null, and void, and has no legal binding effect," adding, "That's according to you – because you do not want to be bound by UNCLOS." He further read from the note, "China does not accept or recognize this ruling," and responded, "Because you lost." Teodoro accused the act of delivering the note during his speech as a "blatant disrespect" to the international forum and the host, South Korea. "This is not only a disrespect, if this is indeed the position of China sent to me, but it is also a disregard for international law, by throwing UNCLOS on the floor and trampling on it," he stated. Teodoro concluded by saying, "In Filipino, it's 'Be decent for a change, be ashamed for a change.' You can translate that into your own language." He described China's actions as "coercion, bullying, and aggression," not gray-zone tactics, and kept the note as a souvenir of China's desperation and ineffective stance. The note was reportedly delivered by a military attaché from the Chinese Embassy in South Korea. The incident garnered significant media attention, with outlets like Bloomberg and Fox News reporting on it. In the Philippines, Teodoro's response has been widely supported on social media. The Philippines has been taking a firmer stance on the South China Sea disputes under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., enhancing defense cooperation with the United States amidst rising tensions with China.