Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro clarified that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s brief interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea should not be given any political meaning, emphasizing that the country’s defense policy remains firm and unchanged.

According to RH Edniel Parrosa's report on Damdaming Bayan, Teodoro said that Marcos’ decision to approach and shake hands with Xi was merely an act of courtesy.

"Our job really is to pursue Philippine resilience and uphold international law. So our defense engagements under President Marcos is subject to a plan already and subject to guidance," he told reporters.

"It's a personal gesture, but the policy does not change," he added.

Teodoro reaffirmed that the current administration’s defense engagements are already clearly defined, focusing on two pillars: strengthening the country’s "general resilience" and fostering partnerships with “like-minded” nations.

"So we cannot put any meaning into the gesture of President Marcos of approaching President Xi Jinping. Probably it's a personal gesture, but the policy does not change," he said.

On Saturday, Marcos congratulated Xi during the ceremonial handover of the 2026 APEC Summit chairmanship to China.

As proof, the Defense Secretary cited the recently signed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Canada. The pact allows for the exchange of military personnel for joint training within each nation’s territory, enhancing interoperability and cooperation.

Canada is now the fifth country to establish such an agreement with the Philippines, following earlier accords with key allies including the United States.