Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed China's assertions that its actions on July 20 against Filipino naval personnel in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea were provoked by alleged construction activities aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57).
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Teodoro emphasized that Chinese maritime personnel had no legitimate reason to be in the area, without confirming China's construction claims. Chinese reports had previously stated that their coast guard intervened at Ayungin Shoal to investigate reports of construction activities by Filipino troops on the BRP Sierra Madre, which they alleged breached a "provisional agreement" between the two nations.
Teodoro, in a discussion with reporters, accused China of fabricating the incident. The clash between Filipino naval and Chinese coast guard personnel resulted in injuries to two Filipino troops. Teodoro characterized the incident as part of China's broader strategy to exert control over the Pacific Ocean, noting similar aggressive actions by China against Japan and Taiwan. He also underscored the importance for the Philippines to defend its dignity as an archipelagic state with extensive maritime territories.
In related developments, Teodoro met with European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Wednesday to discuss defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and the EU. The DND expressed appreciation for the EU's support of the Arbitral Tribunal Award on its 10th anniversary, highlighting unanimous backing from all 27 EU member states.
Teodoro and Kallas identified various areas of cooperation, including securing supply chains, promoting technology use, building capacity for co-production, enhancing maritime security collaboration, addressing cognitive warfare, and strengthening cybersecurity. They emphasized the shared security concerns across regions including the Indo-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and West Asia, advocating for collaborative efforts between the Philippines and the EU. Kallas is in the Philippines for several ASEAN-related meetings and events.
