Philippine Defense Chief Labels China As “Biggest Disruptor” of Southeast Asian Peace

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr called out China as a major disruptor of peace in Southeast Asia, urging stronger international condemnation. This follows China's blocking of Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Teodoro emphasized multilateral action against Chinese aggression during a military conference in Manila.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr has labeled China as "the biggest disruptor" of peace in Southeast Asia, urging the global community to strengthen its condemnation of Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea. This statement came a day after China blocked Philippine vessels from delivering food to a Coast Guard ship at Sabina Shoal.

Teodoro issued this call during an international military conference in Manila organized by the US Indo-Pacific Command. The conference, attended by military officials and senior diplomats from the US and allied countries, comes amid increased conflicts between China and the Philippines in the contested maritime region.

Teodoro stressed the need for more forceful multilateral actions and suggested that a UN Security Council resolution could be a significant step, despite the practical difficulties involved. He criticized the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for not doing enough to counter China's assertive behavior, urging the bloc to take a stronger stand to maintain its relevance.

(With inputs from agencies.)