Singapore: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized that China needs to engage in significant trust-building measures to become a reliable partner in resolving maritime disputes. Speaking at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, Teodoro highlighted the necessity of coupling dialogue with trust to address ongoing issues effectively.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro pointed out the challenges in negotiating with China, citing trust as the primary obstacle. He responded to a question from a Chinese military official about a potential "proxy war" in Asia, describing it as "propaganda spiels" and expressing concerns about China's actions undermining its words.

Teodoro recounted an incident from 1995 when China constructed bamboo structures on Mischief Reef, which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group and lies 130 nautical miles from the Philippine province of Palawan. Despite China's claims that the structures were temporary shelters for fishermen, Teodoro noted that they have since become a "heavily militarized" artificial island.

He questioned China's peaceful intentions, pointing out the contradiction between China's actions and international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Teodoro emphasized that the international community has not supported China's claims, nor has it condemned the Philippines for defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty.