Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro shrugged off China’s recent statement rebuking the United States for reaffirming its support for Manila after Philippine and Chinese vessels collided near Ayungin Shoal, saying this is only meant to “stifle” Beijing’s opponents.
“That is always China’s narrative in order to corral all its opponents… and to stifle them… the whole world knows the dangers of entering into the trap of this narrative so I will disregard that statement,” Teodoro told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Friday.
US President Joe Biden on Thursday reasserted his country’s “ironclad” defense commitment to Manila after Chinese ships collided with Philippine vessels that were on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on Sunday.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said “ the US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in the issue between China and the Philippines.”
Teodoro said the territorial dispute is not only an issue between China and the Philippines, but of the whole world. Citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the defense chief said Beijing’s and Manila’s jurisdictions are only within their 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, while “ the rest of the areas of the South China Sea is the world’s area to exercise freedom of navigation and passage.”
He also said that the US is only supporting the Philippines against China’s actions as its treaty ally.
Still, Teodoro said the collision will not trigger the mutual defense treaty with the US, adding that the Philippines does not want war and is not at war with China. But the country remains resolute in defending its territory which Beijing should respect, he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also remains open to talk with China, but Teodoro said these talks should be furthered on three principles: It should be on the basis of UNCLOS and international law, it should show good faith on the part of Beijing, and these should be open, transparent, and public so that there can be no “whispered narratives.”
Teodoro also said he had a phone call on Friday with US Defense chief Lloyd Austin III, who reinforced Washington’s support for Manila following the Oct. 22 incident.
“The Secretaries reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’ public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include the Coast Guard—anywhere in the Pacific to include the South China Sea,” the DND said in a statement.
