MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s recent comments targeting China’s Communist Party (CPC) have sparked a strong response from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, escalating tensions over the South China Sea dispute and the Philippines’ plans to acquire midrange missiles from the United States.
Teodoro, a key official in the Marcos administration, accused the CPC on Tuesday of meddling in Philippine affairs after it criticized Manila’s missile acquisition plans, warning they could escalate regional tensions and ignite an arms race.
Teodoro’s Defiant Remarks
In a pointed statement, Teodoro urged the CPC to take steps to reduce instability in the region. “If the [CPC] is genuinely committed to lowering tensions, it should halt its provocative actions, cease interfering in other nations’ internal matters, withdraw its unlawful presence from the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and comply with international law,” he said.
Teodoro also accused the CPC of expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, supporting criminal syndicates, and disregarding human rights within China.
Embassy’s Response
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy accused Teodoro of making “groundless and malicious” attacks on the CPC, contradicting President Marcos’ directive to reduce tensions in the South China Sea through dialogue.
The embassy warned that such remarks undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes through communication and consultation. “This is not the first time the current Philippine defense secretary has made such unprofessional comments. His repeated criticism of China and its ruling party hampers military-to-military cooperation between our nations,” the statement read.
Midrange Missile Plans
The controversy follows the Philippine Army’s recent disclosure of plans to accelerate its acquisition of a midrange missile system, which may not include the US-made Typhon missile system already deployed for military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, the Army chief, described the missile acquisition as crucial to the country’s “comprehensive archipelagic defense strategy.” However, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning labeled the move as “irresponsible” and detrimental to regional security, emphasizing the need for “peace and prosperity, not missiles and confrontation.”
Escalating Regional Tensions
The missile acquisition plan and Teodoro’s comments come amid increasing tensions over the South China Sea, where Beijing’s territorial claims have been challenged by the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. As diplomatic talks continue, both sides appear locked in a standoff, with Teodoro asserting Manila’s sovereignty and Beijing warning against actions that could further destabilize the region.
