SEOUL — Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. sharply criticized China after receiving a note from a Chinese representative while delivering remarks on the South China Sea at a defense forum in Seoul.
Teodoro was speaking on maritime challenges and tensions in the South China Sea at the Seoul Defense Dialogue on Tuesday when an individual approached his table and left a piece of paper. After receiving the note, Teodoro paused his speech and told the audience that he believed it had come from China, before reading its contents aloud.
The note reportedly reiterated Beijing’s position on the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, describing China’s stance as “clear, consistent and firm.” It also characterized the arbitration process as a violation of fundamental principles of international law.
Teodoro responded by accusing China of applying pressure, intimidation and aggression. He said that delivering such a note in the middle of his remarks was disrespectful not only to international law but also to South Korea, which hosted the forum, and to the audience.
Forum organizers later clarified that the note had been delivered by a military attaché from the Chinese Embassy in Seoul. However, a forum staff member mistakenly believed it was a message intended for Teodoro’s own delegation and handed it to him during his speech.
Teodoro said he would keep the note as a souvenir, describing it as a reminder of what he characterized as China’s desperation and the weakness of its position before an open audience.
He also addressed the person who delivered the note, sarcastically thanking him and saying that he had done “a great job” for his country.
The incident comes amid continuing tensions between China and the Philippines over competing claims and maritime activities in the South China Sea, where the two countries have repeatedly clashed over disputed waters and features.
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