Philippine defence secretary condemns China after note handed during panel

Manila – Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said China was engaging in “coercion, bullying and aggression” after a handwritten note was slipped to him during a multilateral defence panel on Thursday. The note, which Teodoro described as a “clear attempt to intimidate,” referenced recent Chinese maritime activities near the disputed Spratly Islands, prompting the secretary to reiterate Manila’s commitment to uphold international law and protect its sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between the two nations, with the Philippines having lodged several diplomatic protests over what it calls illegal Chinese incursions into its exclusive economic zone. While Chinese officials have not yet responded to Teodoro’s remarks, the Philippine government affirmed that it will continue to pursue diplomatic channels and strengthen regional security cooperation to counter perceived threats.