Cebu:Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has denied Chinese claims that several ASEAN members questioned the Philippines' handling of China's participation in the recently concluded ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus held in Cebu.
According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro stated in an interview that no ASEAN members have directly expressed any concerns to him regarding the matter. He emphasized that if there were any issues, he would have been informed directly via a letter or a phone call, which has not occurred.
Teodoro criticized China for allegedly speaking on behalf of ASEAN members, stating that such actions violate the bloc's principles of solidarity, unity, and centrality. He questioned whether China is attempting to exert control over ASEAN by making such statements.
He further noted that other Plus member countries, including Russia, were satisfied with the conduct of the ADMM-Plus. Teodoro also addressed China's accusation that the Philippines obstructed their participation, pointing out that China's actions in regions such as Bajo de Masinloc and Mischief Reef go beyond obstructionism.
Teodoro highlighted the successful conduct of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus, which was acknowledged by ASEAN member countries as a testament to the effective management of the event.
