Philippine defense chief condemns China's South China Sea claims as lies

In a recent address marking the anniversary of the Philippine military’s Western Command on March 23, 2025, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed strong opposition to China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, which he labeled as ‘the biggest fiction and lie.’ His remarks came amidst rising tensions and aggressive maneuvers by Chinese forces in the region, especially around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which has been a flashpoint for territorial conflicts. Teodoro further criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping, attributing the deterioration of international goodwill previously fostered by his predecessors to Xi's autocratic and aggressive policies. Reports indicated that Philippine coast guard officials observed a Chinese military helicopter tailing a Philippine lightplane patrolling over Scarborough Shoal. Additionally, Chinese forces have deployed a new floating barrier aimed at restricting access for Filipino fishermen to certain lagoons within the shoal. Despite these provocative actions, Chinese officials have traditionally asserted their historical claims to sovereign control over the Scarborough Shoal and wider areas of the South China Sea, asserting this sovereignty has been upheld since ancient times. In 2016, an international arbitration court decision invalidated China's extensive territorial claims based on the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, China has consistently refused to recognize the ruling and has continued its aggressive posturing in the area. This ongoing situation has prompted the Philippine government to seek stronger security partnerships with allied nations as a countermeasure against the perceived threats from China. Teodoro announced plans for upcoming security agreements, including a visiting forces agreement with New Zealand and ongoing negotiations with Canada and France. ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, have been involved in long-standing territorial disputes within the South China Sea, contributing to discussions aimed at developing a ‘code of conduct’ to manage rising tensions. Teodoro emphasized the necessity for the Philippines to adopt a stronger national defense stance and continued collaboration with allies, underlining the heightened threat level posed by China's assertive actions in this vital global trade route.