BEIJING – Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has repeatedly made fallacious remarks regarding China, severely undermining China-Philippines relations and mutual trust and acting against the interests of the Philippines and its people, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Tuesday.
Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing when answering a query related to Philippine defense secretary’s remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026, where he described China’s provision of fertilizer and fuel to the Philippines as packaging and deception and alleged that the Philippines faces serious threats from China.
“Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has repeatedly made fallacious remarks on China,” Mao said. “His latest remarks once again show that he has no regard for the welfare of the people in his country and no gratitude whatsoever.”
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“His remarks also highlight that he is only interested in pursuing personal gains, even going as far as to turn livelihood issues into a political stunt. His remarks severely undermine China-Philippines relations and mutual trust and run completely counter to the interests of the Philippines and its people,” Mao added.
“The Philippine side should seriously reflect on this. If the Philippine side allows such a person to act with impunity, how can China continue to provide supplies and assistance? Who will ultimately pay the price? Whose interests will be harmed?” Mao questioned.
She noted that Philippine leaders have repeatedly expressed willingness to properly resolve differences and ease bilateral tensions.
China hopes the Philippines will match its words with deeds, strictly control the words and actions of its officials, instead of allowing a handful of grandstanding buffoons to repeatedly sabotage the two sides’ efforts to stabilize bilateral relations, Mao said.