Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro on Friday denied accusations that the Philippines is challenging or provoking China into war, saying it would be “nonsense” for the country to deliberately seek conflict with a larger and more powerful nation.
“Hindi ako naghahamon ng giyera sa [China] kasi kalokohan ‘yung maghamon ka ng giyera sa malaking bansa na ganun,” Teodoro said an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
He said the accusations were being used by China and its representatives in the Philippines to portray the country as the one seeking confrontation.
“Ngunit ginagamit ito ng Tsina at kanilang mga speaker dito na naghahamon daw tayo ng giyera,” he added.
Teodoro maintained that the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities are part of its sovereign right to protect its territory and national interests, rather than an attempt to provoke China.
He also accused China of being the party responsible for creating tensions, claiming that Beijing has displayed a pattern of provocative behavior toward other countries.
“Ang China ang naghahamon sa buong mundo. Sila ang pasaway,” Teodoro said, citing what he described as growing international concerns over China’s actions.
Teodoro also criticized China’s conduct in regional defense and security dialogues, saying Beijing has at times refused to engage meaningfully and instead used such platforms to deliver lectures and propaganda.
He pointed to the Shangri-La Dialogue and other defense discussions, where he said China had sometimes participated as an observer or used the venue to push its own narrative rather than engage in substantive discussions.
Teodoro likewise criticized the Chinese Embassy’s communications, describing its website as a platform for attacks against the Philippines.
“Ang website ng Chinese Embassy, nag-mistulang pinakamurang tabloid na walang laman kung hindi puro bira,” he said.
He further cited alleged threats received by Filipinos in China, as well as accusatory notes reportedly linked to Chinese military attachés, as examples of what he described as a recurring pattern of behavior.
“So nakikita na natin pattern nito eh. Talagang nananadya itong mga to. ‘Yung maliban lang kung sila ang nagpapa-dialogue,” Teodoro said.
