World · Philippines Bureau
Teodoro denies Philippines abused Asean defense chair role
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has rejected Chinese allegations that Manila misused its chairmanship of Asean defense meetings to obstruct Beijing's interests in the region.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed accusations from China that the Philippines improperly wielded its Asean defense chairmanship to block Chinese initiatives, according to statements made by the official.
The rebuke came as tensions persist between Manila and Beijing over maritime issues and China's assertion that the Philippines has leveraged its position within the regional bloc to advance interests contrary to Chinese objectives.
Tedoro's rejection underscores the Philippines' stance on its stewardship of Asean defense matters, emphasizing that Manila has fulfilled its chairmanship responsibilities in accordance with the bloc's established protocols and consensus-building principles.
The exchange reflects broader geopolitical friction in Southeast Asia, where Asean chair nations have faced scrutiny over their handling of sensitive regional issues, particularly those involving major powers with competing strategic interests in the area.