Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has criticized the Chinese Embassy in Manila's rejection of the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) statement regarding the 2016 Arbitral Award, labeling the move as indicative of "insincerity and duplicity."

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro emphasized that the Chinese Embassy's response to the DFA is revealing of the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party in its dealings with the Philippines. Last week, the DFA issued a statement condemning China's refusal to recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award, asserting that the decision is final and binding.

In contrast, the Chinese Embassy in Manila dismissed the South China Sea Arbitration, describing it as "a political manipulation in disguise" and claiming that the Arbitral Award "distorted and abused" the dispute-settlement mechanisms outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Teodoro strongly condemned these assertions, stating, "It clearly shows their insincerity and duplicity which are amply personified by their Embassy officials. We condemn the arrogant display of deceitful indignation by them." He further remarked on the lack of credibility in the Chinese statements, suggesting that they resort to agitation because their claims are no longer believable.

Despite these tensions, Teodoro affirmed that the Philippines remains steadfast in its stance and will not be intimidated by such actions, stating, "Hindi tayo pasisiil (We will not be oppressed)."