Philippines Defense Chief Slams China Over Forum Note

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. publicly rebuked China on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during the Seoul Defense Dialogue, accusing Beijing of coercion, bullying, and a lack of basic decency after a note defending China's stance on the South China Sea ruling was handed to him mid-speech. The incident occurred while Teodoro was addressing maritime challenges and international law at the forum in South Korea. Teodoro, who was speaking about the importance of adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), paused his remarks when a note was placed on his table. Identifying it as likely from China, he read its contents aloud to the audience. The note asserted that China's position on the 2016 Arbitral Award was clear and firm, stating the ruling was "illegal, null and void" and violated fundamental principles of international law. The 2016 ruling, known as the South China Sea Arbitration, affirmed the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and invalidated China's expansive maritime claims. China has consistently rejected this award, leading to ongoing disputes and tense encounters in the region.