Cebu:Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has refuted Chinese allegations 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 dismissed the claims, stating that no ASEAN member had communicated any dissatisfaction directly to him, either through a letter or a phone call. He criticized China for allegedly violating ASEAN's principles of solidarity, unity, and centrality by making statements on behalf of ASEAN members.

Teodoro emphasized that no external party, including China, can speak for ASEAN member countries. He questioned whether China, by making such statements, is attempting to dominate ASEAN. He also noted that any concerns China has should be directed to ASEAN member states and the Plus countries involved in the meeting.

The DND chief highlighted that other Plus member-countries, such as Russia, were satisfied with the meeting's conduct. He also addressed China's accusation of deliberate obstruction, referencing ongoing territorial issues in areas like Bajo de Masinloc and Mischief Reef. Teodoro concluded by citing the successful conduct of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus as evidence against China's claims.