Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on June 28, 2026, strongly condemned the Chinese Embassy's statement regarding the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), calling it a display of insincerity and deceit by the Chinese Communist Party toward the Philippines.
Teodoro slams Chinese Embassy statement
In a statement, Teodoro said the embassy's response reveals the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party. “The Chinese Embassy statement replying to our Department of Foreign Affairs is a window into the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party in dealing with our Country. It clearly shows their insincerity and duplicity which are amply personified by their Embassy officials,” he said.
He further accused embassy officials of resorting to arrogance and outbursts. “We condemn the arrogant display of deceitful indignation by them. Hindi kapanipaniwala ang mga sinasabi kaya idinadaan sa alboroto,” Teodoro added, emphasizing that their claims are unbelievable and merely expressed through bluster.
Philippines stands firm
The defense chief assured the public that the Philippines will not be intimidated. “Despite this, the country is not afraid and Filipinos will never be subjugated,” he stated. Teodoro’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between the two nations over maritime disputes and diplomatic exchanges.
